Arctic update

The Royal Navy expedition to find a North West Passage from the Atlantic to Pacific Oceans remains ice-bound even as the Arctic spring has begun. The crews of HMS Fury and HMS Hecla spent the winter at the Inuit hamlet of Igloolik. It is believed to be the first contact the area’s inhabitants have had with Europeans.

Capt. Weddell says he “re-animated” the crews by praising their patient and orderly behaviour and making them aware of their recordbreaking achievement. “Our colours were hoisted, and a gun was fired, and both crews gave three cheers,” he said. An allowance of grog further dispelled the sailors’ gloom. The newly discovered sea has been named after King George.

Record crowd for Fen skating

As many as 8,000 spectators have watched a new star emerge in East Anglia’s winter sport of speed skating. It is believed to be a record attendance in the Fenlands.

Good weather brought the crowds to Carter’s Bridge at Chatteris in Cambridgeshire for 13 heats and finals.

Acknowledgements

Winner John Young from Nordelph, Norfolk, took the title from his older local rival John Gittam, who he beat in a heat. Young skated eight miles in total to claim the о £10 first prize. Young is pictured (centre) about to start the final. Speed skating is experiencing a boom in the Fenlands as a result of severe winters. o

This has given officers led by Capt. William Edward Parry a unique opportunity to study the behaviour and lives of those they call Eskimaux. Their report, according to Capt. George Lyon of the Hecla, will identify issues about bigamy and care for the dying, but will be positive about men’s treatment of women. “The women are treated well; are rarely, if ever, beaten; are never compelled to work, and are always allowed an equal authority in household affairs with the men.” o

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