ANTARCTIC WEEK IN CITY

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30210, 15 August 1963, Page 23

ANTARCTIC WEEK IN CITY

Plans Discussed By Committee

Antarctic week in Christchurch this year will be more modest and be held almost a month later than it was last year. These facts emerged from the first meeting of the 1963 Antarctic Week Committee yesterday. It is planned to link the week with show week in November, if United States Navy Antarctic support force personnel and the commander (Rear-Admiral J. R Reedy) are available at that time.

American Antarctic operations will begin later than usual this season. Commander A. J. Kinion, the Harewood base commander, said yesterday that as the first support unit aircraft were not due until October 7 he felt any earlier date would mean a limited “open house” by the American force at Harewood.

The committee yesterday favoured November 17, on the week-end after show day, for the opening of Antarctic week, although November 10 is being considered. The Christchurch branch of the New Zealand Antarctic Society would not be able to mount as extensive an exhibition as it did last year, said one of its executive members, Mr J. H. Williams. The society, however, intended to seek suitable films on Antarctica for showing during the week, and embassies in Wellington were being approached. The Deputy-Mayor (Cr. H. P Smith), who presided, said it was better to have one really successful function when films were shown and speakers were available than a series of lukewarm events. The committee agreed that the week should include an opening ceremony in the Civic Theatre, an “open house” at Harewood, and that the Antarctic Society would provide a film evening or evenings in a suitable building. Also to be considered is an essay or speaking competition for schools about some aspect of Antarctica.