Antarctic Veterans Enjoyed Return

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30079, 13 March 1963, Page 21

Antarctic Veterans Enjoyed Return

Among the passengers who arrived at Lyttelton, aboard the supply freighter, Arneb nom McMurdo Sound on Sunday were three veterans of Scott’s expedition who revisited the Antarctic.

They are Messrs M. McCarthy, aged 84, W. Burton, aged 74, and W. McDonald, aged 70. The other passengers included a farmer guide, Mr F. Alack, some scientists and a large number of servicemen, mostly members of a construction battalion, re-

turning home. Mr McCarthy expressed his appreciation for the hospitality shown the trio everywhere they went, aboard ship and ashore

An excursion ashore by launch, at Cape Hallett, on the south-bound trip, was one of the outstanding events df an eventful visit, Mr McCarthy said The use of helicopers tn Antarctica made travel much easier than it was on his earlier visit 50 years ago, he said. He had noticed the amazing progress in the area He described the American base at McMurdo Sound as a city, and prophesied that in 20 years tourists would flock there for skating apd winter sports, and that sizeal ie towns would grow. He said there appeared to be less ice in the area than he recalled from the previous visit. There was bare land where once there was only spow and ice Before sailing for Wellington. on her first stage of her homeward journey to the United Stales, the Arneb, which has about 475 tons of cargo aboard, will unload a quantity of it, including an Otter aircraft, empty drums, and mechanical equipment for repairs. After bunkering and re-

loading a small quantity of cargo, the Arneb freighter will leave Lyttelton on Monday, March 18. From Wellington, she will go to Sydney, returning to Auckland. From Auckland she will go to Norfolk (Virginia), calling at Panama. San Juan (Puerto Rico), Mayport (Florida), and Davisville.