PERILS OF THE AIR.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 118, 21 May 1928, Page 7

PERILS OF THE AIR.

Italia Covered With Ton Of Ice. CHARTED LANDS UNOBSERVED. (Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) LONDON, May 20. A message from Oslo, Norway, says Captain Roald Amundsen, in an interview, described General Nobili's statement that he had failed to find Nicholas 11. Land as astonishing. He said he had personally visited that land on his expedition in the Maud by means of sledges. He had signal posts erected there. Captain Amundsen thinks General Nobili must have passed the island in a fog.

A further dispatch from Svalbard says the fact that an exploration oi the polar regions in an airship is constantly beset with dangers was revealed on the Italia's return after a flight which had lasted nearly three days and nights. It covered nearly 2000 miles in that time. The Italia was coated with nearly a ton of ice, which caused anxiety. Finally a blizzard compelled her to return with the ultimate objective of a thorough exploration of the lands and islands known as Lenin Land unattained.

The explorers made a search for Gilles Land, claimed to have been discovered by the English explorer of that name, but they failed to find a trace of it. As the north coast of Svalbard was approached the weather became more and more uncertain. Finally the dirigible was enveloped in a thick belt of fog. She nosed her way for hours through the nebulous mass until it was observed that ice was beginning to form on the metal parts.

When the Italia was 150 miles from King's Bay a series of north-easterlies shook her from nose to stern. On one occasion General Nobili believed it would be impossible to make the base and contemplated steering to Vadso, Norway. All hands, including the wireless operator, were called upon to keep the Italia in the air. This explains the absence of replies to signals from the supply ship.

The members of the Italia's crew are now considerably fatigued as a result of 40 hours of constant strain on watch. There was joy on board when a wireless message was received from King's Bay stating that everything was ready for their arrival and that the weather was favourable for the landing. The Italia finally arrived at King's Bay in streaming sunshine and calm air and she landed smoothly.