Sub-Antarctic Islands Scientific Expedition facts for kids
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The Sub-Antarctic Islands Scientific Expedition of 1907 was a special trip organized by a group called the Philosophical Institute of Canterbury. The main goal of this expedition was to study the Earth's magnetic field around New Zealand. They focused on Campbell Island and the Auckland Islands. But they also explored plants, animals, and other living things.
Contents
Getting Ready for the Adventure
The team from the Philosophical Institute of Canterbury worked hard to get support for their trip. They asked different groups in New Zealand for help. Then, they talked to the government to find a ship.
At first, the government's ships were not available. So, the committee spoke with the Acting Prime Minister, William Hall-Jones. By June 1907, it was confirmed that a ship called the NZGSS Hinemoa would take them. Captain John Bollons was in charge of the ship.
Who Went on the Expedition?
A total of 26 people joined this exciting expedition. They split into two main groups. One group went to Campbell Island, and the other went to the Auckland Islands. The plan was for the ship, NZGSS Hinemoa, to drop them off. Then, the ship would check on special supply depots for shipwreck survivors on other islands. After that, it would return to pick up the groups.
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Plant Experts
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Rock and Earth Experts
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Magnetic Field Experts
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Animal Experts
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The Journey Begins
The ship NZGSS Hinemoa left Bluff on November 14, 1907. The expedition first arrived at Port Pegasus on Stewart Island. Some people got off to collect plants. The ship then sailed overnight to the Snares Islands. They reached these islands early on November 15. The whole day was spent exploring The Snares. They collected soil, rocks, and samples of plants and animals.
By November 16, the expedition reached the Auckland Islands. There, they found survivors from a shipwreck! The ship was called the Dundonald. The expedition team made sure the survivors had enough food. They even took one of the survivors onto their ship to help as a cook. Then, the Auckland Islands group was dropped off at Camp Cove.
Campbell Island was reached on November 18. The rest of the expedition members were dropped off there. The Hinemoa then left and came back to pick up the Campbell Island group on November 25. While the ship was away, the Auckland Islands group explored their area. They used a small boat to visit different spots during their ten-day stay. When the Hinemoa returned on November 26, the Auckland Islands group packed up and got back on board.
On November 27, the ship sailed to Enderby Island for more exploration. They looked for more plant and animal samples. The next day, November 28, they moved to Disappointment Island. Many expedition members collected more samples. Captain Bollons also arranged for the chief mate of the Dundonald shipwreck, Jabez Peters, to be reburied. His funeral was held that evening. The Hinemoa arrived back in Bluff on November 30, ending the expedition.
Images for kids
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A beetle found at the Snares on November 15, 1907
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Survivors of the Dundonald shipwreck with their small boat frame
