QUEST OF THE POLE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 292, 7 December 1923, Page 5

QUEST OF THE POLE.

SHIP MAUD'S DRIFT. nFVESTXGATIOHS OF eVXBDBUP AXRIAt WORK ABANDONED. (By Cable.—rrese Association.—Copyright.* _— -t£ (Received 12 noon.) •■<: *.!- LONDON, December 6. A' wireless message from Captain Wishing, the Maud's commander, received at Spitzbergen, covers the drift from March to October; firstly northwest to 75 deg 25 mm north, 165 deg. east, to the end of June, northward during the summer until 6 deg 9 mm was reached. 76 deg 16 mm and 163 deg 30 mm was her farthest north. Thereafter she was driven southward by prolonged north-west gales to 75 deg 10 mm and 159 deg 30 mm at the end of October, which date -was the latest report. The scientist, Mr. Sverdnrp, is of the opinion "that the direction of the currents proves there is no ground for assuming there is a large land area northeast of Delong Islands. The dogs are in excellent condition. Hunting has provided for everybody, and' there is an abundance of fresh meat.

The preliminary aeroplane flights -were unsuccessful, and the compasses untrustworthy. Also the fee is"&o level and featureless that orientation, je most difficult, and it is dangerous to proceed far from the Maud. ,Jn a later attempt the machine Rose was badly damaged, but was repaired. In a final attempt engine trouble forced.a landing, irreparable damage being done. Aerial exploration waS thereafter abandoned. Captain Raold Amundsen, interviewed locally, said he considered toe drift satisfactory. The present southward movement tallies with the Fram's experience. Hβ believes the Maud henceforth will redrift northward. He has not abandoned his design to fly to tie Pole » the 6ummer.—(A. and N.Z. Cable. , )