FAREWELL TO EXPEDITION

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28158, 22 December 1956, Page 10

FAREWELL TO EXPEDITION

GOOD WISHES FOR SUCCESS (New Zeaiana Press Association) INVERCARGILL,' December 21. No other expedition had been bidden farewell so regularly before it had done anything, said the leader of the New Zealand Antarctic expedition (Sir Edmund Hillary), replying to speeches at the official farewell to the expedition at Bluff this evening. Most members of the expedition had been a little embarrassed, he added

“I hope we have closed up all the loopholes as far as the equipment is concerned, and it is now up to us to see what we can do.” said Sir Edmund Hillary. ’’Most of us have said farewell to our families. We will say a final farewell to New Zealand, then turn our thoughts and eyes southwards, and get on with -the job.” Sir Edmund Hillary expressed the expedition's thanks for the words of welcome and farewell, and described the scene on the Bluff wharf as the Endeavour berthed as most impressive. He had been pleased to see so many children there, as it would be something they would remember. “As we sail from Bluff, we will be taking a last long look at the green hills, for we will be away for quite a long time,” he said. “We will bo looking forward to seeing the green hills again.”

The chairman of the Bluff Harbour Board (Mr E. N. Adams) said that Southland’s centennial year could no-, have ended more fittingly than with the departure of the expedition fo the Antarctic. Everyone was conscious of the hazards of the expedition. Much of the area it would visit had nevei been seen by man. Mr Adams said Bluff was the nearest port to the Antarctic, and added. “It could possibly be included in our rating area.”

“I hope your mission will be successful. as I am sure it will, and we wish you all Godspeed and a merry Christmas.” said the Mayor of Bluff <Mr H. T. Burke).

The Mayor of Invercargill (Mr A. L. Adamson) said he was sure Sir Edmund Hillary would bring lustre to New Zealand, as he had done before by his ascent of Everest.