PLAN OF CAMPAIGN 



return, and with a reasonable probability of no return 

 at all. I drew up my scheme on the most economical 

 lines, as regarded both ship and staff, but for over a 

 year I tried vainly to raise sufficient money to enable 

 me to make a start. I secured introductions to wealthy 

 men, and urged to the best of my ability the importance 

 of the work I proposed to undertake, but the money 

 was not forthcoming, and it almost seemed as though 

 I should have to abandon the venture altogether. 

 I persisted, and towards the end of 1906 I was encouraged 

 by promises of support from one or two personal friends. 

 Then I made a fresh effort, and on February 12, 1907, 

 I had enough money promised to enable me to announce 

 definitely that I would go south with an expedition. 

 As a matter of fact some of the promises of support 

 made to me could not be fulfilled, and I was faced by 

 financial difficulties right up to the time when the 

 expedition sailed from England. It was not till I 

 arrived in New Zealand, and the Governments of New 

 Zealand and Australia came to my assistance with 

 ready generosity, that the position became more satis- 

 factory. 



In the Geographical Journal for March, 1907, I out- 

 lined my plan of campaign, but this had to be changed 

 in several respects at a later date owing to the exigencies 

 of circumstances. My intention was that the expedi- 

 tion should leave New Zealand at the beginning of 1908, 

 and proceed to winter quarters on the Antarctic con- 

 tinent, the ship to land the men and stores and then 

 return. By avoiding having the ship frozen in, I 

 would render the use of a relief ship unnecessary, as the 

 same vessel could come south again the following summer 

 and take us off. " The shore-party of nine or twelve 

 men will winter with sufficient equipment to enable 

 three separate parties to start out in the spring," I 



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