OUTFIT AND PREPARATION 
By Commander E. R. G. R. Evans, C.B., R.N. 
On September 13, 1909, Captain Scott published his plans for 
the British Antarctic Expedition of 1910, which he proposed to 
organise, equip, and lead. 
His appeal to the nation, in fact to the Empire, for funds 
was heartily endorsed by the Press, and the first £10,000 was 
forthcoming by the spring of 1910. This amount was collected 
by Captain Scott and his confréres and was mainly subscribed by 
private individuals. The sums given varied from £1000 to 6d., 
coming from people in all stations of life. 
This nucleus fund was obtained only after the most strenuous 
efforts on the part of Captain Scott, but after the first £10,000 
had been raised the Government grant of £20,000 followed, and 
the programme of the Expedition became more and more ambi- 
tious. 
Government grants were subsequently made by the Austra- 
lian Commonwealth, the Dominion of New Zealand, and South 
Africa, and Mr. Samuel Hordern of Sydney contributed £2500 
to swell the Australian contribution. 
An office was taken and furnished at 36 Victoria Street, S.W., 
and here the preliminary organisation of the Expedition was 
carried out by Captain Scott, his second-in-command, and Dr. 
Wilson, the Chief of the Scientific Staff. 
The services of Mr. F. R. H. Drake, R.N., a Paymaster in 
the Royal Navy, were obtained as Secretary to the Expedition, 
and this capable and energetic officer made himself so invaluable 
that he was eventually asked to take part in the Expedition itself.* 
Captain Scott was determined that this Expedition should be 
run on business lines; Sir Edgar Speyer kindly consented to act 
as Honorary Treasurer, and thanks to his sound advice the 
finance of the Expedition was used to the best advantage. 
* During Mr. Drake’s absence on the Expedition Mr. E. G. H. Evans became 
(honorary) acting secretary. 
