We deeply regret to record another disaster in the Antarctic.
Two members of Dr. Mawson's expedition, Lieutenant B. E. S. Ninnis, of the Royal Fusiliers, and Dr. Mertz, a Swiss oceanographer, have lost their lives. Mr. Ninnis fell into a crevasse on January 14th and was killed instantly. Dr. Mawson, who was a member of Sir Ernest Shackleton's expedition, is exploring the Antarctic Continent due south of Australia, and has already mapped a great deal of new territory. The purpose of the expedi- tion is purely scientific, and there was no attempt to reach the pole. The expedition was chiefly recruited in Australia, but Mr. Ninnis and Dr. Mertz volunteered in England. Dr. Mawson divided his followers into two parties ; he himself landed in Adelie Land, and Mr. F. Wild landed much further west. The two parties were to march towards each another. Now it has been unexpectedly announced that Dr. Mawson with six companions will spend another winter in the Antarctic.
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