“UNJUSTIFIED” CRITICISM

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28477, 6 January 1958, Page 6

“UNJUSTIFIED” CRITICISM

Mr Bowden’s View (New Zeaiana Press Association) WELLINGTON, January 5. The chairman of the Ross Sea Committee (Mr C. M. Bowden) tonight described criticism of Sir Edmund Hillary’s dash to the South Pole as “unjustified and unfounded.”

He denied a Sydney newspaper correspondent’s suggestion that many English people saw the venture as having introduced “distasteful elements of drama and personal glory into what was primarily a scientific enterprise.” ‘‘Sir Edmund Hillary already had made his mark,” said Mr Bowden. ‘‘New Zealand is very proud of his new exploit. “I would say that New Zealand has performed all that it was asked to do in the original conception of the scheme, and in fact we have done much more.”

All of Sir Edmund Hillary’s moves had been made with the consent of the leader of the British expedition (Dr. Vivian Fuchs) and his London committee, said Mr Bowden. The committee had been consulted about the change of plans and had agreed. Asked what new circumstances led to the attempt on the Pole, in view of his earlier statement that Sir Edmund Hillary was instructed not to go there, Mr Bowden said: “Depot 700 (which was to be Sir Edmund Hillary’s most advanced base) was set up more quickly than had been expected, and with that established and stocked it was obvious that the further the New Zealand party could explore the route south the better it would be.” Mr Bowden emphasised that Sir Edmund Hillary’s team was not concerned with the International Geophysical Year scientific programme, but with giving the utmost assistance to Dr. Fuchs’s crossing party. “Safety Better Ensured”

Because of Sir Edmund Hillary’s effort the marked route south had been extended, and additional depots had been established, so that the safety of the crossing party was better ensured.

Sir Edmund Hillary had been in radio communication with Dr. Fuchs throughout, said Mr Bowden.

It was apparent now that Dr. Fuchs would not reach the Pole for up to a week, he added when asked if he thought Sir Edmund Hillary should have, waited at the Pole for the British leader instead of returning to Scott Base by air.

“There is not much point in Sir Edmund Hillary and the New Zealand party staying at the Pole, so they decided to take the opportunity of returning. . Then they can, by our own aircraft, go to Depot 700 or wherever Dr. Fuchs may wish to meet them,” said Mr Bowden.

Admiral Dufek Sends Congratulations

“Congratulations to you and to every member of your party upon arrival at the South Pole,” said the commander of the United States Antarctic expedition (RearAdmiral George J. Dufek) in a message to Sir Edmund Hillary. “Your crossing from the Ross Sea is a magnificent achievement in the great tradition. Americans here join with your fellow countrymen in saluting you. You are a welcome guest at the Amundsen-Scott I.G.Y. South Pole station. You have earned a rest.”