POLAR EXPLORATION

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 156, 20 March 1923, Page 7

POLAR EXPLORATION

REPORT FROM AMUNDSEN “ALL WELL SO FAR” BY Telegraph.—Press Association, —copyright. London, March 17. Captain Roald Amundsen, in a communication sent via the Spitzbergen radio on March 10 from the Maud, says that in the course of the winter he has only reached 74deg. 2min.North and 170ileg. 20min. East. “At present there are no polar bears or seals to be seen. Although we are delighted to be untouched by the screwing of tho ice,” ho says, ‘‘many leads have opened and enormous masses are piled near, but the expedition’s village, kennel, smithy, anil observations are undisturbed. The Maud could scarcely be safer. If rthe incredible happens and we are.forced to leave the ship, we are well prepared for the emergency. “A .handy practical outfit has been arranged with three solid sledges, thoroughly equipped, including a canvas boat standing on the deck. The results of our observations have been entered in notebooks ready for removal. The scientific work gives interesting results. Owing to the cold we are unable to use tho motors and manipulate the kites flown with instruments. Otherwise the programme has been followed, despite the winter darkness. We are delighted .with tho wireless, but we do not expect to maintain connection with the outer world during tho light season. The heating apparatus has stood the tost. The warm air completely prevents moistness, the worry of polar expeditions, and gives splendid ventilation. Drinking water from ice-frozen ponds and old flakes is as good as distilled water. All is well so far.” —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.