HARBOURMASTER'S TRIP TO ANTARCTIC

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28866, 10 April 1959, Page 2

HARBOURMASTER'S TRIP TO ANTARCTIC

“Believe me, it is a marvellous place,” said Captain A. R. Champion, Lyttelton Harbourmaster, talking of his trip to the Antarctic to the Canterbury Travel Club yesterday.

"The Antarctic is the world’s fifth largest continent, with an area of more than 5,000,000 square miles, equal to the United States and Mexico together. It has 80 per cent, of the world’s ice The biggest icebergs are 208 miles long, and 60 miles broad The lowest temperature recorded is 109.5 degrees below zero.” said Captain Champion. "I am right behind Admiral Dufek in supporting the tourist possibilities of Antarctica,” said Captain Champion “From midJanuary till the end of February

ships can go well up McMurdo Sound when the sea is clear of icebergs and floes. Vessels of up to 25,000 tons can berth at Lyttelton which could be the startingpoint of the 18-day cruise. "American tourist agencies are already loaded with inquiries The Antarctic is something different, and has plenty to offer tourists,” said Captain Champion “There are snow sports of all kinds; visitors can see historic places like the huts of Shackleton and Scott; there are ice caves far superior to Waitomo for their stalactites and stalagmites, and the activities of seals and penguinfare always interesting." Captain Champion recalled an episode during his visit to Little America. Six feet under the snow there was an insulated snow cave where the temperature reached 208 degrees. After being in there 20 minutes a person emerges wringing wet with perspiration. The idea then is to rol] in the snow at 10 degrees. "The Antarctic is going to be a wonderful store place for foodstuffs.” said Captain Champion Food will keep anywhere out in the snow.

Captain Champion accompanied Rear-Admiral Dufek in a flight over the ranges of Victoria Land. It was even more impressive than flying over the Southern Alps, he said

Mrs Read Masters thanked Captain Champion, and reminded guests that he had been in command of the Pamir during the war. "And it is interesting to know his brother took over the command afterwards," said Mrs Masters.

After guests had been welcomed by Mrs M. H. Godby, Mrs A. Bamford, accompanied by Mrs R. S. Storie, gave a musical performance. Visitors from overseas were Miss Nono Shuttleworth. Bradford. England, and Miss K. Forbesa, Wiltshire, England’ Visitors from other parts of New Zealand were.—Mrs W Jackson. Auckland. Mrs J W Robertson. Wellington. Mrs T. Dooley. South Canterbury Travel Club, and Mrs E. B King. Southland.