First Flights To Antarctic Today

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30559, 30 September 1964, Page 1

First Flights To Antarctic Today

Two United States Navy ski-equipped Hercules will leave Christchurch this evening on the first flight of the season to McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Two other Hercules, one from Chile and the other from Melbourne will also leave for the Antarctic today. On board the two planes from Christchurch will be about 40 servicemen and more than 50001 b of mail. Two New Zealanders will also fly south. On the plane which leaves at 7 p.m. will be the new leader of Scott Base (Major A. Hayter) and on the second, which leaves 30 minutes later, will be Mr K. Macßride, of the Antarctic Division of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. Mr Macßride will spend about two weeks at McMurdo Sound inspecting stores and equipment at Scott Base. He will make another brief visit near the end of the season. Men and machines at McMurdo Sound have prepared the landing strips for the planes. Both the 6000 ft by

200 ft Ice-runway and the 10,000 ft by 300 ft ski-way at Williams Field are usable. During the season about 72 New Zealanders will be going to the Antarctic. They include the expedition members and official visitors. It is expected that New Zealanders will be travelling to Scott Base by air and sea until Christmas.