POLAR FLIGHT.

Press, Volume XLIV, Issue 19391, 17 August 1928, Page 11

POLAR FLIGHT.

COSTLY EXPEDITION. COMMANDER BYRD'S PROJECT. (UNITED PKJSBB ASSOCIATIOK—BT BMCTBIO TELBOBAFH—3OPTBIGHT.) NEW YORK, August 15. Commander Byrd's Antarctic expedition, starting from New York next week, will be the most stupendous undertaking in the history of exploration. It marks what Americans call /'the entry of explorers into the million dollars field." Two-thirds of a million have already been secured in cash and equipment. The total expense of Commander Byrd's North Pole expedition two years ago was £30,000. For the present expedition the two aeroplanes have cost £14,000, j- at about the same cost as the two old ships which the f«rpedition secured.—United Service.

WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS. (PBESS ASSOCIATION TBMOBAH.) GISBORNE, August 16. Detailed information regarding the arrangements for wireless communications with Commander R: E. Byrd's Antarctic expedition have been received by Mr E. Patty, radio amateur, from the Canadian Westinghouse Company, with a request that amateurs in New Zealand and Australia should report upon reception of the American station KDKA at hours coinciding with/the proposed schedule. The weekly schedule is divided betwen four stations, KDKA being the only short-wave one and the only one likely to be received in this country.

The intention is to communicate with the expedition every Saturday at 11 p.m. Eastern standard time (3.30 p.m. the following day New Zealand time). KDKA's allocation will be December 1, December 25, January 12, February 2, and February 23. Morse communication 'will always be possible nightly. Tests are now being .Conducted for the purpose of checking reception on voice. Amateurs are requested to stand by every Sunday at 3 p.m. (New Zealand time) while the expedition is in the Antarctic for emergency messages.

DUNEDIN ARRANGEMENTS.

(press associatioh telegram.) DUNEDIN, August 16. Cabled advice from America states that Commander Byrd haa purchased a second ship for his expedition to the South Pole, to act as a tender to the Samson.

Arrangements are in full swing here for providing the necessary foodstuffs for the expedition. . Thousands of dollars worth of eggs are to be purchased.