BAD WEATHER AT SCOTT BASE

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28448, 30 November 1957, Page 6

BAD WEATHER AT SCOTT BASE

R.N.Z.A.F. Aircraft Grounded (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, November 28. Bad weather in the Antarctic since Saturday had forced New Zealand supply aircraft to remain grounded and air communication with Sir Edmund Hillary’s party at Depot 480, 720 miles from the South Pole, had been curtailed, according to advice received by Mr A. S. Helm, secretary of the Ross Sea Committee today. “The weather is not promising but we are standing by ready to go the moment It breaks,” said the leader of the air group with the expedition, Squadron Leader John Claydon, in a radio-tele-phone conversation. Sir Edmund Hillary reported yesterday that he would be staying at Depot 480 for the next 10 days to work with the aircraft in building up supplies for the British continental crossing party under Dr. Vivian Fuchs. Two members of the advance party who were injured at Depot 280 a fortnight ago would rejoin the polar party as soon as the weather cleared, said Squadron Leader Claydon. Both Mr Murray Ellis and Chief Petty Officer Peter Mulgrew had recovered from injuries received on the polar plateau. Mr Ellis would replace Mr Ted Gawn, who would return to base as radio operator, and Chief Petty Officer Mulgrew would increase to five the number of men in the forward party, said Squadron Leader Claydon.