ASSISTANCE TO FUCHS

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28478, 7 January 1958, Page 8

ASSISTANCE TO FUCHS

Hillary’s Plans Discussed

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, January 6.

The future plans and commitments of Sir Edmund Hillary’s party in assisting Dr. Vivian Fuchs to complete his trans-Antarctic crossing were discussed at a meeting of the Ross Sea Committee in Wellington today. Commenting later, the chairman (Mr C. M. Bowden) said that at this stage the committee could do little more than study developments as they arose, and try •to plan ahead to meet any unforseen contingencies. “For the next few weeks at least,” said Mr Bowden, “any action by the New Zealand expedition must depend on the progress made from day to day by Dr. Fuchs and his party, and the state of their vehicles. “The New Zealand party is geared to give the British party every possible assistance, but in doing this we must be guided by Dr. Fuchs’s own assessment of his requirements as over-all leader in the field.

“Sir Edmund Hillary and three of the others who reached the South Pole with him have now returned to Scott Base, leaving Peter Mulgrew at the Pole to maintain the radio link with Dr. Fuchs. Return to Depot 700

“When the time is ripe, Sir Edmund Hillary will return by air to Depot 700 to meet Dr. Fuchs and guide him over the last long stage of his crossing. “Although Depot 700 and Depot 480 are not actually manned at present, they are well stocked with supplies of food, fuel, and other necessaries, and New Zealand field parties working near both can be recalled at very short notice when necessary. “The events of the last few days have in no way obscured the Commonwealth nature of the trans-Antarctic expedition,” he added. “Sir Edmund Hillary and his men have done all that was asked of them—and a lot more—and all New Zealanders can take pride in their achievements. We can confidently expect them to carry on in the same way until the whole task is complete.”