Every word uttered by expedition leader Captain Robert Falcon Scott was taken down and dissected, and the progress of Roald Admunsen, the Norwegian trying to challenge the Empire’s rightful place as conqueror of all corners of the globe was also anxiously watched.
Terra Nova, the expedition’s ship, docked at Lyttelton in late October, and every aspect of the unloading and loading was carefully scrutinised.
"I was exceedingly pleased with both horses and dogs. They are the finest set of animals ever got together, certainly for polar work," a statement from Capt Scott said.
On November 5 came the thrilling news that Terra Nova’s next port of call would be Port Chalmers. Although when that would be was unclear at the vessel was still undergoing repairs.
On November 27 it arrived, and the next day the ODT breathlessly editorialised that Capt Scott would surely add the brightest lustre to British enterprise.
"Captain Scott is the type of explorer that inspires confidence. Whatever can be achieved through cool determination, wide experience and practical foresight, we are satisfied he will achieve."
The crew were no less impressive: "On stepping from the gangway to the little quarterdeck it requires no second glance to tell that one has stepped among men. The bronzed, tight-lipped, square-chinned officers are all born leaders, magnetic in influence, stern, and embodiments of resolution."
Many thousand words of later came the sad intelligence that no visitors were allowed on Terra Nova as it made its final preparations — although the chairman of the Harbour Board and the mayors of Port Chalmers and Dunedin did make official visits.
On the 29th the Terra Nova was due to leave and the ODT wished it bon voyage.
"Their fortunes will not cease to be a theme of interesting speculation in their long absence, and it will be the hope of all that when Captain Scott sets foot on our shores again it will be our pleasing privilege to be among the first to congratulate him as the victor in the race for the South Pole."
And with that, the Terra Nova sailed south and into history, although not in the way that Capt Scott or the Otago Daily Times had hoped.
