AN ARCTIC ADVENTURE.

Inangahua Times, Volume VII, Issue 1191, 3 November 1882, Page 2

AN ARCTIC ADVENTURE.

Another striking chapter has been added to the voluminous history of Arctic exploration. Once again has the ice-king beaten back the invader, but happily without loss of life. Mr. Leith Smith, an ardent explorer, who had previously fitted out several expeditions at his own costs, left our shores in June of last year on a voyage of discovery, and also in the hope of rendering aid to the cr"?w of ill-fated Jeannette. The Eira, in which Mr Smith sailed took a living freight of twenty-five men, and was provisioned for two years. Ice was encountered much further south than usual, and its presence in low latitudes would seem to govern the temperature of our summer. Rather more than two months from the time of starting, the vessel was nipped in the ice and sprung a leak. The crew had only time toNlH(g4hree months' provisions, th&boats and some bedding, when the ice eased and the Eira went.down. A tent was erected on the^ice, a fire lighted, and a frugal meal eaten. The unwelcome fact now dawned upon Mr. Smith and his men that winter would have to be passed in this region of desolation. Everything was accordingly carried across the ice to Cape Flora, and for sixteen nights the crew slept in a tent, sometimes almost flooded out by rain, at others spending most of the hours endeavouring to keep up their covering during heavy gales. Eventually a more substantial shelter was erected with stones, the sails serving for a roof. All fears as to a scarcity of provisions were soon set at rest, since ere winter set in, thanks to the aid rendered by a dog, sixteen walrus and several Polar bears had been shot. The principal food, therefore, consisted of walrus and bearmeat, which was boiled with preserved vegetables, and served out threfe times a day. This supply of fresh meat saved the men from scurvy, although seventy degrees of frost were resisted. Mr. Smith seemed equal to any emergency and in the absence of wood and coal, a tire was kept going by means of blubber and old rope. The sun disappeared altogether on October 21st, and did not again put in an appearance for five months — «a long night for the voyagers. The only source of excitement appears to have been the occasional visits of Polar bears. At times the hut was entirely buried in snow-drifts, and the men had to make the best of their buried existence. The crow had their anxious times, for more than once provisions were beginning to run short ; but good furtune never deserted them. When the larder was well-nigh empty, a bear would fall a prey to their rifles, and in this way they tided over an Arctic winter. In 4 pril the birds, harbingers of spring, returned, and the following month a strong gale cleared away the ice, which had extended eight miles from the land. Walrus now became plentiful, and their flesh put into tins for a projected journey, At the end of June four boats, provisioned for 60 days, started from Cape Flora with the whole 25 men. After traversing 80 miles the pack was again encountered. Troubles now began in earnest, and for six weeks the brave fellows had to battle with the ice. Nova Zembla was at 1< ugth reached, and the following day the Eira crew were rescued by the Hope, a vessel sent under tli? command of Sir Allen Young to their relief. Mr Smith and his men reached Peterhead on Sunday, within a feuhours of the anniversary of the foundering of the Eira, and with one soli-

tary exception, in the best of healtK All's well that ends well, and while

the voyage may have added little to our knowledge of Arctic navigation, relievers and relieved are alike to be congratulated upon their safe return.