EXPLORER'S LIFE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 134, 8 June 1936, Page 7

EXPLORER'S LIFE.

DEDICATED TO PEACE. Inspiration in Lonely Hut in Polar Regions. ADMIRAL BYRD'S RESOLVE. United Press Association.—-Copyright. (Received 10 a.m.) NEW YORK, June 7. To follow out an inspiration conceived during his long vigil in an advanced observation shack on his last Antarctic expedition, RearAdmiral Byrd said he was prepared to dedicate the remainder of his life, with the exception of two years, to working for international amity. Addressing a large gathering of prominent industrial leaders at a testimonial dinner, the explorer revealed his innermost thoughts as contained in his personal diary, from which he read: "The distance and detachment of this place seem to soften some human follies, but from here the great folly of all is the amazing attitude of civilised nations toward each other. "Fear of antagonism and reprisals seems to be the rule among the nations which, in their conduct, are, I believe, 20,000 years behind the individual civilised citizen in his conduct toward liis neighbour."

Rear-Admiral Byrd said that where science had opened new boundaries for fuller lives of the world's inhabitants, the nations were using technilogical knowledge to prepare for war. "Even aviation," he said, "which is a gift that would tie us together as members of the same human race in knowledge, understanding and friendship, is being perverted to uses never dreamed of. , "I shall set aside two years later to further explorations, but soon I shall start my work for international amity. My part will be extremely humble, for my experience lies in far different fields."