Celebrating Mid-Winter In Antarctica

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30472, 20 June 1964, Page 19

Celebrating Mid-Winter In Antarctica

Scientists and servicemen i of 11 nations carrying out research in the Antarctic will tomorrow observe midwinter’s day. For some, probably most, it wHI mean a relaxation of duties or a special dinner; for two New Zealanders on Campbell Island it will mean the traditional swim in the ocean on Monday. At the United States Navy Antarctic headquarters at Harewood yesterday it was reported that ail five American stations in Antarctica will celebrate with “all hands’* parties. At McMurdo Station this evening a barbecue dinner will precede a party at which music will be provided by the McMurdo String Ensemble and Tiny T. Jones and the Strumming Three. Impromptu acts will also be given by willing participants. There are 289 Americans wintering at the five stations. Ait Byrd Station a new bar

ihas been built ready for the celebration, and. according to a spokesman, “they tried it out the other night, and I bear it’s real fine.” No special observance will be held by officers or men at the Harewood base, although it is likely that greetings will be exchanged. For 60 members of the Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Antarctic Society there will be a special midwinter dinner at the airport restaurant this evening. Dr. B. Stonehouse wiU speak on the University of Canterbury's scientific research at Cape Royds, toasts will be proposed to all stations In the Antarctic and on the subAntarctic islands by the president (Mr R. J. Stanley), and telegrams will go to men at Scott Base and Hallett Station, and on Campbell Island.

Among the guests at the dinner is expected to be Mr R. B. Thomson, who was last week awarded the 0.8. E. for his work in the Antarctic. In 1962 he led a party from the Australian Wilkes Station to Vostok, the Russian base, and back, traversing several thousand miles of virgin territory.