SCOTT BASE SUPPLIES

Press, Volume C, Issue 29467, 20 March 1961, Page 23

SCOTT BASE SUPPLIES

Improvements Next Season New Zealanders at Scott Base next summer will receive their supplies more promptly and in better conditions as a result of a trip made recently to the Antarctic by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research’s Antarctic representative in Christchurch, Mr C. O. Clinton. on board the American cargo ship Arneb, said that he had gained first hand knowledge of the requirements of New Zealand Antarctic men. Improvements will be made in the packaging and waterproofing of materials for shipment to Scott Base and Hallett stations, and a better means of identifying New Zealand goods will be evolved. Mr Clinton said that the packaging used on New Zealand goods had not always been suitable. This season a consignment of goods was saturated when the hold of a supply ship flooded. Although this particular consignment was not vital it was apparent that a better means of packaging was (needed. : A special means of identifying cargo for Scott Base in 'mixed American and New Zealand consignments will assist the supply of the station and the amount of paper work required with every consignment will be simplified. Mr Clinton found that j certain foods sent to the (Antarctic as delicacies were not as popular with the men |as was expected. Pickled onions and certain sauces were in this category. Fresh fruits could not generally be successfully transported to the Antarctic because under severe freezing the fruit fibres shattered, making the fruit useless on thawing, said Mr Clinton. Every endeavour would be made to fiy more fresh vegetables to Scott Base next summer and the main fruit supply would probably be in (tins.