Clothing
With regard to the clothing, the main bulk was of woollen
material as supplied by Jaeger of London. This firm is unexcelled in the
production of camel's-hair garments and has supplied most polar expeditions
of recent years with underclothing, gloves, caps, and the like. From the
same firm we also secured heavy ski-boots, finnesko-crampons, and the blankets
which were used at Winter Quarters at both Antarctic Bases. Some of the
Jaeger woollens were damaged by sea water on the voyage from London to Australia
and were replaced by Eagley goods; an Australian brand, which proved very
satisfactory. The Ship's Party were outfitted with Kaipoi woollens (New
Zealand).
Outer garments were made up to our design from Jaeger fleece by tailors
in Hobart. The suit consisted of a single garment, to be worn with combination
underclothing, and was calculated to meet the requirements of a severe climate.
An over-suit of wind-proof material, which may be worn when required, is
a necessary adjunct to woollen clothing. Such a suit should have the additional
properties of being light, strong, not readily absorbing moisture, and not
affected by the cold. Burberry gabardine was found to possess all these
properties, and two complete suits were made up for each man. One suit consisted
of three pieces, whilst the other was made of two; the blouse-jacket and
helmet of the latter being combined.
Furs, which were obtained from Norway, were restricted to sleeping-bags,
finnesko or fur-boots, and wolfskin mitts (Lapland).
The outfit of clothing for the party at Macquarie Island and on the Ship,
respectively, differed from that used in the Antarctic. Warmer temperatures
and wet conditions had to be taken into account, and so rubber boots, oilskins,
and rubberized materials were provided as outer coverings.
Food
The food-stuffs were selected with at least as much consideration as was
given to any of the other requisites. The successful work of an expedition
depends on the health of the men who form its members, and good and suitable
food reduces to a minimum the danger of scurvy; a scourge which has marred
many polar enterprises. Thus our provisioning was arranged with care and
as a result of my previous experience in the Antarctic with Sir Ernest Shackleton's
Expedition.
A summary which may be of possible use to future expeditions is appended
below:
In the matter of canned meats we had some six tons of the excellent Australian
article supplied by the Sydney Meat Preserving Company, Ramornie Meat Company
(N.S.W.), Baynes Brothers (Brisbane), and the Border (rabbit) Preserving
Company of South Australia. For use on the Ship three tons of salt beef
and pork served to replenish the ``harness cask,'' largely obtained in Melbourne
from Cook and Sons.
For a ton of sauces and pickles we were indebted to Brand and Company (London)
and to Mason and Company (London).
Of course fresh meat was consumed as far as possible; a number of live sheep
being taken by the `Aurora' on each cruise. Some of these were killed and
dressed after reaching 60 degrees south latitude and supplied our two Antarctic
Bases with the luxury of fresh mutton about once a week throughout a year.
One ton of preserved suet came from the firms of Hugon (Manchester) and
Conrad (Adelaide).
Almost all our bacon and ham, amounting to well over one ton, was of the
Pineapple Brand (Sydney), and to the firm which supplied them we are indebted
alike for the quality of its goods and for its generosity.
Soups in endless variety, totalling two tons, came chiefly from the Flemington
Meat Preserving Company (Melbourne).
Fours tons of canned fish were supplied by C. & E. Morton (London).
Variety in vegetables was considered important. We decided to reduce the
amount of dried vegetables in favour of canned vegetables. About six and
a half tons of the latter in addition to one ton of canned potatoes were
consumed; from Laver Brothers (Melbourne) and Heinz (Pittsburgh). There
were one and a half tons of dried vegetables. In addition, large quantities
of fresh potatoes and other vegetables were regularly carried by the `Aurora',
and many bags of new and old potatoes were landed at the Main Base. In the
frozen condition, the former kept satisfactorily, though they were somewhat
sodden when thawed. The old potatoes, on the other hand, became black and
useless, partly owing to the comparatively high temperature of the ship's
hold, and in part to the warmth of the sun during the first few weeks in
Adelie Land.
Canned fruits, to the extent of five tons, were supplied by Jones Brothers
(Hobart) and Laver Brothers (Melbourne). This stock was eked out by some
two and a half tons of dried fruits, chiefly from South Australia.
The management of Hartley (London) presented us with two tons of jam, and
James Keiller and Son (London) with one ton of marmalade.
Of the twelve tons of sugar and half a ton of syrup consumed, all were generously
donated by the Colonial Sugar Refining Company (Sydney).
For milk we were provided with two tons of Glaxo (a dry powder) which was
used at the land bases, and a ton and a half of Nestle's condensed variety
for use on the ship.
Three tons of cereal meals, largely from Parsons (Sydney), were consumed.
As one might have expected, the amount of flour used was enormous. In the
thirteen tons of this commodity from Colman (London) there were three varieties,
self-rising, plain, and wheatmeal flour, encased in stout metal linings
within strong, well-finished cases of a convenient size. Until required,
the cases of flour were used to solidify the break-wind on the southern
side of the Hut.
Bird and Company (Birmingham) more than satisfied our needs in the matter
of baking powder, custard powder, jelly crystals, and the like.
There was over half a ton of fancy biscuits of excellent quality and great
variety, for which we were indebted to Jacob and Company (Dublin), Arnott
Brothers (Sydney), and Patria Biscuit Fabriek (Amsterdam). ``Hardtack,''
the name by which a plain wholemeal biscuit of good quality, made by Swallow
and Ariell (Melbourne) was known, constituted the greater part of the remaining
two and a half tons of ordinary biscuits. ``Hardtack'' was much appreciated
as a change from the usual ``staff of life''--soda bread.
For sledging we had secured one ton of biscuits specially prepared by the
Plasmon Company (London) containing 30 per cent. of plasmon. These, together
with one ton of pemmican and half a ton of emergency ration prepared by
the Bovril Company (London), are specially referred to in the chapter on
sledging equipment.
Butter was an important item; the large stock of two and a half tons coming
from the Colac Dairying Company (Melbourne). The butter was taken fresh
in fifty-six lb. blocks, packed in the usual export cases. On the `Aurora'
it was carried as deck-cargo, and at the Main Base was stacked in the open
air on the southern side of the Hut. At the end of the second year (1913)
it was still quite good; a fact which speaks well for the climate as a refrigerator.
Of Australian cheese we used half a ton, and this was supplied in forty-pound
blocks.
The firm of Messrs. Cadbury, well known for their cocoa and eating chocolate,
supplied us with these commodities, and receive our unqualified praise for
the standard of the articles and the way in which they were packed. The
total consumption was one ton of cocoa and half a ton of chocolate.
The three-quarters of a ton of tea was donated by ``Te Sol'' (Guernsey)
and Griffiths Brothers (Melbourne). In both cases the articles were well
packed and much appreciated. Half a ton of coffee was used, partly supplied
from London and partly donated by Griffiths Brothers.
Rose's (London) lime juice, as an antiscorbutic, was mainly reserved for
consumption on the Ship. This lime juice was much in favour as a beverage.
Other supplies, taken in bulk, and for which we are indebted to the manufacturers,
are: one ton of Cerebos Salt, half a ton of Castle salt, one ton of Sunlight
Soap, our complete requirements in toilet soap from Pears, candles from
Price, matches from Bryant and May including special sledging vestas, and
dried milk from the Trufood Company.
Sweets, which were used for dessert and on special occasions, were presented
by the firms of Fuller and Batger of London, and by Farrah of Harrogate,
&c. There were also small quantities of aerated waters, ales, wines, and
whisky for each Base.** At the Main Base, at least, there was no demand
for whisky until penguin omelettes became fashionable.
** * Donated by Schweppes, Kopke, Burgoyne, and others.
The smokers were well provided for by a generous donation of Capstan tobaccos,
cigarettes and cigars from the British American Tobacco Company in London.
At a later date, when our Macquarie Island party was formed, the Sydney
branch of the same firm met our added needs with the same generosity.
There are many other items which have not yet found a place in this summary
which cannot be acknowledged severally, but for which we are none the less
grateful. Mention is made of the following: Horlick's Malted Milk, Neave's
Health Diet, Brown and Polson's Cornflour, International Plasmon Company's
Plasmon chocolate and Plasmon powder, Bovril and lime juice nodules manufactured
by Bovril Limited, Colman's Mustard and Groats, Flemington Meat Company's
desiccated soups, Seager's meats, Nestle's nut-milk chocolate, Escoffier's
soups, &c.
The cooking range which served us well for two years in the Hut at Adelie
Land was from J. Smith and Wellstood (London); others were presented by
Metters (Adelaide).
The total supply of foods purchased and donated aggregated quite one hundred
tons, exclusive of packing. Much of this was assembled in London. In Australia
the Government Produce Department of Adelaide rendered valuable assistance.
TABLE OF FOOD-SUPPLIES FOR A TWELVE-MAN BASE
The following are the food requirements for a party of twelve
men wintering in the Antarctic. It is our own store list, with slight modifications
where these are found desirable. The figures are based on the supposition
that unlimited quantities of seal and penguin meat can be had on the spot,
and, furthermore, are ample for a second year's requirements should the
party be unavoidably detained. The fare during the second year might be
somewhat less varied, but would otherwise be sufficient. Health was, of
course, the first consideration in this selection, but economy was also
studied. The quantities are stated in pounds weight.
lbs.
Meats, tinned--Corned beef, 216; roast beef, 72; roast mutton, 72;
boiled mutton, 72; Irish stew, 216; assorted meats, 168, including mutton
cutlets, haricot mutton, ox tail, ox tongue, sausages, and brawn; sheep's
tongues, 288; special meats, 192, including rabbit, hare, duck, fowl, and
turkey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1296
Live sheep--16 sheep to be dressed south of 60 degrees S. latitude
(weight not included)
Suet, tinned--400 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 400
Bacon and Ham--Bacon in sides, packed in salt, 250; ham, 250 . .
. 500
Fish, tinned--Salmon, 360; haddocks, 96; kippered herrings, 216;
herrings in tomato sauce, 72; fresh herrings, 72; sardines, 300;
cods' roe, curried prawns, &c., 72 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , 1188
Soups, assorted tinned, 1152 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1152
Vegetables, fresh, in wooden cases--new potatoes, 1200; onions, 3601
Tinned--potatoes, 864; onions, 216; peas, 450; French beans, 450; spinach,
360; cabbage, 144; beetroot, 288; carrots, 288; parsnips, 144; turnips,
108; celery, 144; leeks, 72; champignons, 144; Boston baked beans, 144;
tomatoes, 288 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3240
Cereals and Dried Vegetables, &c.--Split peas, 112; lentils, 56;
marrowfat peas, 56; haricot beans, 56; barley, 72; rice, 252; tapioca, 144;
semolina, 56; macaroni, 56; rolled oats, 648; cornflour, 156 . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1664
Flour, including plain, wholemeal, and self-rising . . . . . . 4480
Biscuits, &c.--Plasmon wholemeal, 1344; plain wholemeal, 560; assorted sweet,
560; cake tinned, 224; plum pudding, 224 . . . . 1712
Fruit, tinned in syrup--peaches, 288; pears, 288; plums, 288; apricots,
288; pineapples, 288; apples, 288; gooseberries, 216; cherries, 216; mulberries,
48; strawberries, 48; red currants, 48; black currants, 48; raspberries,
48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2400
Dried fruits--Prunes, 112; apples, 112; peaches, 56; nectarines,
56; apricots, 56; raisins seeded, 224; currants, 112; figs, 224; dates,
112; candied peel, 56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1120
Sweets, &c.--Eating chocolate (chiefly for sledging) 504; assorted
sweets, 168; crystallized fruits, 56; assorted nuts, 84 . . . . . 812
Milk--as dried powder, 2400 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2400
Butter--in 56 lb. export cases, 1456 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1456
Cheese--in original blocks or tins, 240 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
240
Cocoa, Tea, and Coffee--Cocoa, 576; tea, 288; coffee, 288 . . . .
1152
Sugar, Jam, &c.--Sugar, 3584; jam, 1456; marmalade, 448; honey, 576;
syrup, 288 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6352
Sauces, Pickles, &c.--Tomato sauce, 180; Worcester sauce, 135; sweet
pickles, 162; mango chutney, 81; assorted pickles (first quality) 216; vinegar,
210 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 984
Cooking requisites--Baking powder (in addition to that in self rising flour)
56; sodium bicarbonate, 1; ground mixed spice, 3; ground ginger, 4; whole
cloves, 1; nutmegs, 2; assorted essences, 10; desiccated cocoanut, 12; mixed
dried herbs, 2; dried mint, 6; dried parsley, 1; onion powder, 9; curry
powder, 30; mustard, 30; black pepper, 12; white pepper, 12; table salt,
784 . . . . . . . . . . 975
Soap, &c.--Soap, 448; soda, 168 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 616
(16 tons approx.) 35,699
Note. These weights are exclusive of packing. When high southern latitudes
can be reached within three weeks, fresh eggs may be taken with advantage,
preferably unfertilized, but care should be taken to freeze them as soon
as possible, and not to allow them to thaw again until required for use.
It is advisable to take small quantities of whisky, ale, wines and lime
juice. Matches, candles, soap, and other toilet requirements, kerosene and
fuel are not reckoned with here, appearing in a more general stores' list.
Certain medical comforts, such as malted milk and plasmon, may also be included.
Medical Equipment
The medical equipment consisted of a complete outfit of Burroughs and Wellcome's
drug's, dressings, &c., and Allen and Hanbury's surgical instruments. Sets,
varying in character with particular requirements, were made up for the
Ship and for each of the land parties. Contained within the fifty-five boxes
was a wonderful assortment of everything which could possibly have been
required on a polar expedition. There was in addition a set of Burroughs
and Wellcome's medicines for the treatment of dogs.
Scientific Equipment
The scope of our projected scientific work necessitated extensive purchases,
and these were amplified by loans from many scientific bodies and individuals.
Instruments for surveying and navigation were loaned by the Royal Geographical
Society and by the Admiralty, while many theodolites, chronometers, and
half-chronometer watches were manufactured to order.
An assortment of oceanographical gear was generously supplied through H.
S. H. The Prince of Monaco, from the Institut Oceanographique of Monaco.
Dr. W. S. Bruce made similar donations and supervised the construction of
our largest deep-sea dredge. The three-thousand- fathom tapered steel cables
and mountings, designed to work the deep-water dredges, were supplied by
Messrs. Bullivant. Appliances were also loaned by Mr. J. T. Buchanan of
the `Challenger' Expedition and by the Commonwealth Fisheries Department.
The self-recording tide-gauges we employed were the property of the New
South Wales Government, obtained through Mr. G. Halligan.
The taxidermists' requirements, and other necessaries for the preservation
of zoological specimens, were for the most part purchased, but great assistance
was rendered through Professor Baldwin-Spencer by the National Museum of
Melbourne and by the South Australian Museum, through the offices of Professor
Stirling. Articles of equipment for botanical work were loaned by Mr. J.
H. Maiden, Director of the Botanical Gardens, Sydney.
A supply of heavy cameras for base-station work and light cameras for sledging
was purchased; our stock being amplified by many private cameras, especially
those belonging to F. H. Hurley, photographer of the Expedition. Special
Lumiere plates and material for colour photography were not omitted, and,
during the final cruise of the `Aurora', P. E. Correll employed the more
recent Paget process for colour photography with good results.
The programme of magnetic work was intended to be as extensive as possible.
In the matter of equipment we were very materially assisted by the Carnegie
Institute through Dr. L. A. Bauer. An instrument was also loaned through
Mr. H. F. Skey of the Christchurch Magnetic Observatory. A full set of Eschenhagen
self-recording instruments was purchased, and in this and in other dispositions
for the magnetic work we have to thank Dr. C. Chree, Director of the National
Physical Laboratory, and Dr. C. C. Farr of University College, Christchurch.
Captain Chetwynd kindly assisted in arrangements for the Ship's compasses.
Two complete sets of Telefunken wireless apparatus were purchased from the
Australasian Wireless Company. The motors and dynamos were got from Buzzacott,
Sydney, and the masts were built by Saxton and Binns, Sydney. Manilla and
tarred-hemp ropes were supplied on generous terms by Melbourne firms (chiefly
Kinnear).
The meteorological instruments were largely purchased from Negretti and
Zambra, but a great number were loaned by the Commonwealth Meteorological
Department (Director, Mr. H. A. Hunt) and by the British Meteorological
Office (Director, Dr. W. N. Shaw).
For astronomical work the following instruments were loaned, besides transit-theodolites
and sextants: a four-inch telescope by the Greenwich Observatory through
the Astronomer Royal: a portable transit-theodolite by the Melbourne Observatory
through the Director, Mr. P. Baracchi; two stellar sidereal chronometers
by the Adelaide Observatory through the Astronomer, Mr. P. Dodwell.
The apparatus for bacteriological and physiological work were got in Sydney,
in arrangements and suggestions for which our thanks are due to Dr. Tidswell
(Microbiological Laboratory) and Professor Welsh, of Sydney University.
Artists' materials were supplied by Winsor and Newton, London, while the
stationery was partly donated by John Sands, Limited, Sydney
Geological, chemical, and physical apparatus were all acquired
at the instance of the several workers.
Adjuncts, such as a calculating machine, a typewriter, and duplicator were
not forgotten.**
** Acceptable donations of various articles were made by the firms of Ludowici,
Sydney; Allen Taylor, Sydney; Sames and Company, Birmingham; Gamage, London;
Gramophone Company, London; the Acetylene Corporation, London; Steel Trucks
Ltd., &c.
**Through the offices of Mr. C. A. Bang we are indebted to ``De Forenede
Dampskibsselskab,'' of Copenhagen, for the transport of the dogs from Greenland.
Apart from the acquisition of the instruments, there were long preparations
to be made in the arrangement of the scientific programme and in the training
of the observers. In this department the Expedition was assisted by many
friends.
Thus Professor W. A. Haswell (Biology), Professor T. W. Edgeworth David
(Geology), and Mr. H. A. Hunt (Meteorology), each drew up instructions relating
to his respective sphere. Training in astronomical work at the Melbourne
Observatory was supervised by Mr. P. Baracchi, Director, and in magnetic
work by the Department of Terrestrial Magnetism, Carnegie Institute (Director,
Dr. L. A. Bauer). Further, in the subject of magnetics, we have to thank
especially Mr. E. Kidston of the Carnegie Institute for field tuition, and
Mr. Baldwin of the Melbourne Observatory for demonstrations in the working
of the Eschenhagen magnetographs. Professor J. A. Pollock gave us valuable
advice on wireless and other physical subjects. At the Australian Museum,
Sydney, Mr. Hedley rendered assistance in the zoological preparations. In
the conduct of affairs we were assisted on many occasions by Messrs. W.
S. Dun (Sydney), J. H. Maiden (Sydney), Robert Hall (Hobart), G. H. Knibbs
(Melbourne),and to the presidents and members of the councils of the several
Geographical Societies in Australia--as well, of course, as to those of
the Royal Geographical Society, London.
In conclusion, the proffered, disinterested help, of all the above and many
other friends contrived to make our scientific equipment well-nigh complete
and eminently up-to-date.
