EXPLORERS BUSY.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 292, 10 December 1929, Page 7

EXPLORERS BUSY.

IN THE FAR SOUTH. Wilkins Plans Base Nearer Pole. LONG FLIGHT PLANNED. (United P.A.—Electric Telegraph-Copyright) (Received 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, December 9. Sir Hubert Wilkins sent a copyright wireless message from Deception Island on Friday. He stated that he was delighted to hear of Commander Byrd's success in his flight over the Pole. "Our preliminary preparations," lie continued, "are almost complete. The time when good weather can be expected is approaching and we must soon seek a more southerly base. Consequently we have been carefully checking everything. "To-day's test flight showed that everything is practically ready. It has been arranged to accommodate one machine, fitted with any type of landing gear on board the Scoresby. We will start loading supplies immediately about next week-end, weather permitting. Cramer, Cheeseman, Porter and myself will, sail with the Lockhead 'plane, the Austin Seven motor car, and also a Clecac, which is most helpful in transporting supplies. "We will probably go outside the Antarctic Archipelago and try to reach as far south as possible to locate- a good icefield for the take-off over to the Ross Sea. Our plans depend on conditions, but if our position reduces the total distance to 2000 miles we might attempt a non-stop flight or await the second 'plane before setting out."