FOR THE ANTARCTIC.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 270, 14 November 1928, Page 5

FOR THE ANTARCTIC.

BYRD'S GREAT EXPEDITION.

MORE SHIPS DUE SOON.

PROBLEMS OF RACKING

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, this day. in view of the intricate problems associated with the stowage of all equipment and stores for his Antarctic expedition, Commander Richard E. Byrd has decided that the supply ship Eleanor Boiling will make Dunedin its first port of call, and instructions to that effect have been radioed. The vessel will arrive at Dunedin on Friday or Saturday to discharge her cax - go, and then come to Wellington, where she is due on Tuesday or Wednesday. Mr. R. G. Brophv, business manager of the expedition, will leave for Dunedin to-morrow night to superintend the* unloading operations, and he will return in the Eleanor Boiling. The City of New York will arrive in New Zealand towards the end of this month, to load her share of the expedition's equipment. Aeroplanes and other equipment will be loaded here with the Eleanor Boiling next week, after which she will return to Dunedin to complete licr loading.

Purchases in New Zealand. Since the advance guard of the expedition arrived in Wellington purchases of quantities of New Zealand foodstuffs and other stores have been made, and more will follow before the ships sail for the Antarctic. Valuable gifts of various commodities have also been made. The interest felt abroad in the expedition is illustrated in the gifts to the value of £92,000 made by United States, Canadian, British and Norwegian firms and individuals. Even so, Commander Byrd is finding the equipping of the expedition a very costly business. Aniline Dye for 'Planes' Use. One item in the supplies purchased locally is of interest, in view of the flying which will be done over the snowcovered wastes of the Antarctic. This is aniline dye, in the form of a red powder, packed in light glass vials weighted with lead. These will take the place of smoke bombs for drift-checking purposes. They will burst on striking the ground and make a red patch, which will remain for a considerable period and increase in size. Also, should snow fall, | they will soak up through the fresh I layer and serve as a valuable guide to 'planes.