N.Z. ACTIVITIES IN ANTARCTIC

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27987, 6 June 1956, Page 12

N.Z. ACTIVITIES IN ANTARCTIC

PERMANENT UNIT . SUGGESTED A permanent Government unit to co-ordinate Antarctic affairs, organise expeditions, and man and control bases, was suggested by the leader of the New Zealand Antarctic expedition ’Sir Edmund Hillary) in Christchurch last evening. Tentative plans for a similar Government unit were announced in: the United States eight months ago. Sir Edmund Hillary said that when , geophysical year activities finished in 1958 the Government would have an ice ship and an Antarctic aircraft on its hands. In addition, the expedi- . tion had undertaken to hand over to the Government its bases in the Antarctic and another polar aircraft, together with all its equipment, at the , conclusion of its activities. ' “We hope ? hat the Government will retain an active interest in the Antarctic,” Sir Edmund Hillary said. “It is a wonderful opportunity, and the present expedition would have done all the necessary- soade work for such a unit. It would not be too early for planning to begin now.” An Antarctic department would have ■ more than just the materials left ever ■ after use by the expedition. There would also be a good deal of invaluable experience sained by the Air Force and the Navy, and there would be a strong and efficient nucleus of men specially trained to do their jobs lin polar conditions and hardened for i work. If those men themselves did not return to Antarctica New Zealand could still benefit by their experience which could be taught to others. Polar requirements would be known and understood, and equipment —clothing, buildings, radios and motorvehicles. for example—would have ' been tried and tested. Questioned as to whether he would be available to work for a unit such J as he advocated. Sir Edmund Hiliary 1 laughed and replied. “Ask me in 11958.” I RADIO OPERATOR FOR

ANTARCTIC Chief Radio Technician P. Mulgrew. of H.M.N.Z.S. Irirangi. Waiouru, is the second radio onerator to be named for the New Zealand Antarctic Expedition. The selection of an officer from the inter-island steamer Hinemoa. Mr J. E. Gawn. was announced some weeks ago. The names of two others who will ioin the expedition for servicing work have yet to be announced.