TO THE NORTH POLE BY BALLOON.

Auckland Star, Volume XL, Issue 193, 14 August 1909, Page 15

TO THE NORTH POLE BY BALLOON.

MR WELLMAN'S BAD LUCK. Mr Walter Wc'.lman's expedition ship Arctic returned to Tromsoe on June 27th, from Danes Island, Spltzbergen. She reported that one of the members of the expedition who had been passing the winter there had perished by accident, and that Mr Wellman's balloon shed had been blown dowu. Mr Wellman was just on the point of starting in the Norwegian expedition ship Fram for Spitzbergeu, but on hearing the news had all his things taken ashore again. He la very downcast over this stroke of bad luck. He Intended to engage carpenters and to buy materials, and to rebuild the balloon shed, but as this will require considerable time the chances of his making nt attempt this year to reach the Pole in his balloon are considerably diminishedAnticipating damage or possibly the total destruction of tho airship shed, Mr Wellman had sent by the Arctic for timber and other materials for Its repair. Mr 'Arthur Wellman, who Is now commanding at the camp, reports that tho work of clearing away the wreckage aud re-bulldlng tho sherl has already begun. Chief Engineer Vanimau Is preparing plans for erecting a new aud stronger shed.

Mr Wellman and Vnnlman say that this disaster means n delay of four or five weeks, and that It is uncertain whether It will be practicable to finish the new shed In time for the balloon to make the voyage this summer, but they are determined to da all that Is possible to fight against bad luck, . . _ . .