BYRD'S EXPEDITION.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 165, 14 July 1928, Page 11

BYRD'S EXPEDITION.

DUNEDIN THE LIKELY BASE. DEPARTURE IN NOVEMBER. 'PLANES TO BE ASSEMBLED. (By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.") DUNEDIN, this day. Although no definite word has come to hand, cables from the manager of the Antarctic Expedition, Mr. Richard G. Brophy, make it appear that Dunedin has been chosen as the base for the expedition. The reason for the belief lies in the fact that storage accommodation for equipment, etc., has been arranged for here at the request of the manager. Commander Richard E. Byrd has no doubt been influenced by the splendid offer of the Otago Harbour Board of the use of all port facilities for the scientific expedition free of all cost. It is expected, that the expedition, which will include 75 men, three aeroplanes, snow mobiles, tractors and dogs, will arrive in Dunedin about the end of October on the ice ship Samson, a wooden auxiliary schooner-barque. A good deal of the equipment will be forwarded by

cargo vessels. It is understood that the three 'planes will be assembled and tried out in Dunedin.

For some considerable time the secretary of the Otago Harbour Board, Mr. W. J. Bardslev, and 11. L. Taplev and Co. have been corresponding with tlie manager of the expedition, supplying necessary information regarding facilities, etc., and supplies obtainable at this port. Recently the expedition's manager cabled asking if it would be possible to charter a ship at Dunedin to go to the Ross Sea, sailing with the expedition as an auxiliary ship to carry coal, etc. The reply was sent that such a ship could possibly be chartered. In a further message it was stated that it was anticipated that the departure from Dunedin for tho Antarctic would be made about November 10. The visit of the scientific expedition to the Antarctic will occupy about two years.