P.M. praises N.Z.’s Antarctic role

Press, 21 January 1982, Page 1

P.M. praises N.Z.’s Antarctic role

PA Scott Base New Zealand, a main gateway to Antarctica, had an important role to play in the continent’s future, the Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon) said yesterday during ceremonies marking the twenty-fifth anniversary of Scott Base.

He told international guests at the historic flagraising ceremony that he was certain “New Zealanders will continue to accept their increasing responsibilities in shaping this future.” The world seemed “poised on the threshold of a new era which will see the development of new activities and may include exploration for, and exploitation of. resources,” he said.

“It will be important to ensure that such develop-

ments are conducted wisely and the Antarctica remains a continent. of peace where people from all nations may work together for the common cause.

“We are one of 14 nations involved in long-term studies which are conducted under the umbrella of the Antarctic Treaty. “Although we are a small nation, New Zealand, has a very substantial record in the publication of Antarctic science,” he said. He referred to the work of many New Zealand institutions which had contributed a lot of the country’s Antarctic programme. “The role of the R.N.Z.A.F. and the Army in our Antarctic affairs has assumed major significance.”

He also paid tribute to the United States National Science Foundation and the United States Navy.

“There is little doubt that without the co-operation we enjoy with our American friends and neighbours of the United States National Science Foundation and at McMurdo Station, we would not be assembled here today.” The Army stole the show at yesterday afternoon’s ceremony — they paraded in shirt sleeves in a summer high temperature of 6deg.

A close second were some of the base’s huskies, lined up on the ice about 300 metres from the base. At the end of the impressive ceremony they broke into a doggy chorus, causing Mr Muldoon

and others among the estimated. 220 guests and visitors, to smile.

The colourful ceremony was played out against the vast, white backdrop of McMurdo Sound. To start the ceremony Sir Edmund Hillary, the first (1957) Scott Base leader, lowered the old flag. Mr R. B. Thomson, superintendent of the Antarctic Division of the D.S.I.R. Christchurch, said the lowering marked the end of an era. A new era was heralded in by Kathleen Smith, aged 18, of Wanganui, who had the honour, as the youngest person on the base, to raise the new flag.

Mr Thomson told the assembly that it was believed that Mr Muldoon was

the first head of State to visit Antarctica. After Mr Muldoon’s speech. Dr E. P. Todd, director of polar programmes, National Science Foundation, told guests from the United States, the Soviet Union, China, Japan, and Uruguay: “Nev; Zealand, through its Antarctic research programme, has an outstanding record of leadership in fulfilling requirements of the Antarctic Treaty.” The United States had benefited more than any other nation from the cooperation and hospitality of New Zealand, he said. There was increasing

world wide interest in Antarctica. Several nations, not consultative parties to the Antarctic Treaty, wanted to take part in the political development of Antarctic affairs, he said. “I would like to remind all the nations that in their discussions of mineral resources — which after all may be too expensive to mine — that we should not forget about the international co-operation in scientific research in Antarctica, which stimulated the Antarctic Treaty in the first place.”

He suggested that in the long run the “most valuable export from Antarctica will be not minerals but the observations and data that extend our understanding of our world,”

A dedication was given by the Rev. Gerard Creagh. of. Christchurch, visiting the nearby American settlement at McMurdo. He said Antarctica was a continent which had not seen the horror and bloodshed of war. and he prayed that the spirit of Antarctic co-operation would be an example to other nations.

Later. Mr Muldoon officially opened the latest stage of the Scott Base rebuilding programme — accommoda-

tion. kitchen, and mess area built by New Zealand Army engineers.

He said the mess hut built 25 years ago. would be presented to the Ferrymead Trust in Christchurch.

“This will enable New Zealanders who may never be fortunate enough'to visit this continent to share something of the history of Scott Base." he said.

Bad weather yesterday prevented Mr Muldoon and eight other guests from visiting New Zealand’s Vanda Station about 140 km from Scott Base.

Less than two hours after the guests had left the base in two United States Navy helicopters, they were back — disappointed at missing some spectacular scenery.