N.Z. ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27669, 27 May 1955, Page 14

N.Z. ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION

National Committee

Appointed CHAIRMAN TO BE MR C. M. BOWDEN (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, May 26. The composition of the natiofial committee, to be known as the Ross Sea Committee, which has been appointed by the Cabinet to organise New Zealand participation in the Commonwealth trans-Antarctic expedition, was announced tonight by the Minister of External Affairs (Mr T. L. Macdonald). The committee will consist of the following:— Mr C. M. Bowden, formerly Minister of Customs, who will be chairman. Mr R. D. Moore, general manager of the Bank of New Zealand, who will be. treasurer. During Mr Moore’s absence abroad, his place on the committee will be taken by Mr F. H. Moss, deputy-general manager of the bank. Dr. Ernest Marsden, former head of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, and scientific adviser to the High Commissioner in London. Professor L. R. Richardson, of Victoria University College, representing the Royal Society of New Zealand. Dr. R. A. Falla, representing the New Zealand Antarctic Society. Mr H. E. Riddiford, representing the Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand. Representatives of the Department of External Affairs and the Treasury. The leader of the expedition, who will be appointed by the Ross Sea Committee, will also serve as a member of the committee. The chairman of the Public Service Commission (Mr G. T. Bolt) has appointed Mr A. S. Helm secretary of the committee. Selection Procedure The members of the committee have been selected by the Government on the recommendation of the Prime Minister’s committee on ( Antarctica, the members of which are the Prime Minister (Mr Holland), Mr Macdonald, the Minister in charge of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (Mr R. M. Algie), the Minister in charge of Publicity and Information (Mr J. R. Marshall), the Minister of Finance (Mr J. T. Watts), ' and the Minister of Marine (Mr J. K. McAlpine). >... . The Prime Minister’s committee is responsible for dealing with all major questions of Government policy affecting Antarctica. It will take a particular interest in the progress of the expedition, and will be available for consultation with the Ross Sea Committee. . The trans-Antarctic jpurney is a joiiit venture, and planning in both London and Wellington must be closely co-ordinated. Mr Bowden, as chairman of the Ross Sea Committee, will be a member of the committee of management in London of the body known as the Commonwealth TransAntarctic Expedition, Ltd. At meetings of the management committee, Mr Bowden will be represented by Mr T. C- Webb, High Commissioner for New Zealand in London, or ,his nominee. The London body will also be represented on the Ross Sea Committee in Wellington.

Mr Macdonald said tonight that he expected the Ross Sea Committee would make an appeal in New Zealand for support for the transAntarctic journey, but the arrangements for this would be subject to ■iscussion with the committee in London. Because the Ross Sea Committee Would deal with money and incur expenditure, it would be an incorporated society. In consultation with the British •authorities, arrangements were being made for the London body to send a representative, probably Sir Miles Clifford, formerly Governor of the Falkland Islands, to New Zealand to discuss the organisation and control of the expedition with the chairman and members of the Ross Sea Committee, said Mr Macdonald. Personal liaison of this kind was necessary so that the two bodies in London and Wellington could ensure that their efforts were fully co-ordinated. It was expected that Sir Miles Clifford would arrive in New Zealand in about two or three weeks’ time. Geophysical Research “The sciences will have an important place in the expedition, and the Ross Sea Committee will consult as necessary with representatives of Government departments and scientific authorities in a position to help in its tasks.” said Mr Macdonald. “In addition to'the trans-Antarctic journey, consideration is now being given by the Government to the recommendations of the Rorqe conference for our participation in the Geophysical Year. These recommendations invite all Governments to cooperate in a planned series of observations throughout the world, including Antarctica. It is very likely that the Ross Sea Committee will be invited to consider some of the problems affecting participation in the work of the Geophysical Year in the Ross Dependency.” Mr Macdonald said he felt that the trans-Antarctic journey would appeal to the imagination of everyone in New Zealand. It was an ambitious enterprise, but he was sure that, with good organisation and the support of the public in Britain and New Zealand. as well as the other Commonwealth countries, it would succeed

“Our special responsibilities are the base in McMurdo Sound, and the reception arrangements at the end of the route across the Polar regions.” said Mr Macdonald. “The New Zealand uarty will survey the route by which

the expedition making the crossing from Vahsel Bay can descend from the Antarctic plateau. It will also lay supply depots for a distance of approximately 300 miles toward the Pole.”

Military Funeral for Turkish Woman. —The first military funeral to-be given to a woman in Turkey has been accorded Mrs Nena Hatum, 100-year-old

“Mother of the Turkish Army,” according to Ankara Radio. Mrs Hatum was elected as the Army “Mother” in 1952. “She was the symbol of Turkish feminine heroism and fought against the Russians in 1877 ” the radio said. —London. May 24.