The original European newspaper headlines detailing the death
of Captain Robert Falcon Scott 100 years ago will be read out
on the steps of the former P and T Cable building in Oamaru
next month, as part of a re-enactment of the arrival of
Scott's ship SS Terra Nova in the town in 1913.
A cable detailing the tragic end of Scott's Antarctic
expedition was sent around the world from the P and T Cable
building on February 10, 1913, and a re-enactment of the
event will form part of centennial commemorations.
Oamaru Scott 100 co-convener Helen Stead said as part of the
re-enactment, male Norwegian, French, German, Spanish,
Portuguese, Dutch and Russian language speakers were needed
to read the original foreign news headlines that followed in
the wake of the arrival of the SS Terra Nova, a
century ago.
''The dramatic nature of the Terra Nova, arriving in
the dark, two men rowing to Sumpter Wharf, refusing to
identify themselves, but firmly requesting the sending of a
cable with news from Antarctica was to make headlines
throughout the world.
''Here, in Oamaru, the mystery, sadness and significance has
echoed ever since.''
The retelling will take place on the steps of the P and T
Cable building, which now houses the Waitaki District
Council, at 11am on February 10. Only male speakers are
required.
''To be historically accurate, but now considered
discriminatory, we are looking for men only, as announcers in
1913 were usually male.
''The intention is to bring the news as a 'radio' version
that is heard only.
''Readers' voices will be taped and broadcast from the steps
of Oamaru's 1884 Post Office from whence the original
information was sent.
''Readers will not appear reading the headline on the Post
Office steps in person.
Their voices only will be heard, much as they might have been
over the `wireless' in 1913.''
- andrew.ashton@odt.co.nz
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