ANTARCTIC ADVENTURE

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 36, 6 November 1928, Page 13

ANTARCTIC ADVENTURE

THE BYRD EXPEDITION

ADVANCE GUARD AT WELLINGTON ‘ AEROPLANES AND AVIATORS The first stage of his voyage to the Great Ice Barrier of the Antarctic Continent was completed yesterday morning, when Commander R. E. Byrd, United States Navy, and fourteen members of his expedition arrived at Wellington on board the Norwegian whaler C. A. Larsen, to await the arrival from America of his own two ships. That the public imagination is caught by Antarctic adventure was shown by the large crowd of interested spectators who witnessed the berthing of the whaling ship at Pipitea wharf. .

In their wildest dreams, Scptt, Shackleton, Amundsen and other great explorers of bygone years could never have visualised such Antarctic ventures as were represented on board the C. A. Larsen. Science and industry were embodied ,in this great floating factory, which carried 220 hardy Norsemen bound on their yearly' voyage to hunt the Ross Sea whales, and 15 other men representing the advance guard' of the best-equipped expedition that has ever set out to delve into the secrets of the frozen wastes cf the Far South. The Cl. A. Larsen’s company was a truly international one, for apart from her crew of Norwegians and the nativeborn Americans of Byrd’s party, there were French, Italians, Greeks, and Jews in the latter. . Who’s Who in the Party. The fifteen members of the expedition who travelled to Wellington in the C. A. Larsen are as follow: — Commander Richard Evelyn Byrd, U.S. Navy, leader of the expedition. Richard G. Brophy, business manliger. Captain Alton N. Parker, U.S. Marine Corps, aviator pilot. Lieutenant Bernt Balchen, aviator pilot. Harold I. June,' U.S. Navy, aviator pilot. ’ Dean Smith, aviator pilot. , Lieutenant Ralph Shropshire, navigator and assistant scientific staff ofWillard Van dcr Veer, Paramount News kineina operator. „ , „ Russell Owen, "New York Times staff representative. . n Kennard Bubier, U.S. Marine Corps, aviation mechanic. . . Epaminondas J. Demas, aviation mechCccca, aviation mechanic and engine expert. Benjamin Roth, United States Aimy, * aviation mechanic. Charles Lofgren, chief yeoman. U.S. Navy, personal secretary and attendant to Commander Byrd. . Martin Ronne, Norwegian snilmnker and

Mr. Richard G. Brophy, of Macey, Illinois is a very essential man as business manager of the expedition. He is a great organiser, and has been responsible for the ordering and getting together of a 1 the material and supplies of the oxpeai tion, except the aeroplanes Ao™ but those who have had to do with the fitting out of an Antarctic expedition can realise the immense amount of labour and attention to the smallest details that is mvolved in the task. The Byrd Expedition is surely the best-equipped venture that has ever, set out for the Polar regions, and much of the credit for this is due to Richard G. Brophy. ‘Tie’s had a terrible iob,” said one officer; yesterday, ‘ and lie hami’t overlooked aiiything. We arc iso well equipped that we shall have to leave something behind. As for checking, why he has a card index working that can tell you instantly where every single article is right down to a toothpick. The storekeepers know exactly how everything 'stands at any time and that is going to be a valuable thing on this expedition. • Lieut. Bernt Brilclien. who has superintended much of the testing of the aeroplanes. is Byrd's principal aviation officer. He was very much at home on board the C,. A., Larsen, for he is a native of Norway and formerly a lieutenant in the Norwegian Navy. Like Lieut. Fryggye Gran, who was a member of Scott’s last expedition,' Balchen forsook the warship for the aeroplane, and joined the Amtind-sen-pilsiYorth North Polar expedition. When Amundsen’s ’plane was forced to land on the ico many miles from Spitsbergen, it was Balchen who flew, a ’plane and rescued him. While.at Spitsbergen

-■-; --- ■■ ■ 1 ■■■■•- ■ .'-f ~ after ''there will be' no need for immigration.” . Red Feds? A lighted cracker thrown through the window of the hall exploded with a loud bang. „ , “There’s the Red Feds,” called a voice. , “No,” said another, “it is. the Russians.” , „ _ Concluding her remarks, Sirs. Young claimed that she was entitled to the support of the electors, if only on account of her pluck. She expected to be at the head of the poll: At her next meeting she would go more fully into her programme. Candidate Cheered. As the meeting was about to disperse three cheers were called for Mrs. Young. These were heartily responded to. A call for cheers for Sir. Fraser met with a mixed reception. Slany of present shook hands with the candidate before she withdrew from the platform.

preparing for his own flight to the North Pole, Byrd was attracted by the personality and air ability of Bnlclien. and took him back to the United States with him. Balchen worked for Anthony Fokker in the States, and did much test flying. He accompanied Commander Byrd on his trans-Atlantic flight in the America, and with Bert Acosta shared the duty of piloting that great ’plane on her 42-hour flight. It was Balchen who successfully landed the America in the dark on the French coast at Ver-sur-ner. after they had been unable to locate Paris in the storm. Byrd has a very great regard for Balchen, who is a very cheerful person, very unassuming, and full of vim and

Captain Alton N. Parker is an officer of the United States Marine Corps, and has seen service in many parts of the world. He is an experienced air pilot. Dean Smith.has done a vast amount of flying in the United States, where he served for several years as a pilot in the air mail services.

Harold I. June is a chief petty officer of the United States Navy, and the only member of the expedition on the active service list, the others being retired, or reservists. He has a fine record of service in the Navy as a test pilot, mechanic, and radio expert, wiio lias been lent to Commander Byrd for the duration of the expedition, and who will probably be assistant pilot on the South Polar flight. Epaminondas J. Demas is an experienced aviation mechanic, who served with Byrd’s North Polar flight expedition to Spitzbergen, in 1926. and who also did valuable work in preparing the America nc Roosevelt Field, for the trans-Atlantic flight. Since then, he has been doing commercial flying, in Canada. v . Jerry de Cecca is an expert mechanic, in the service of the Wright Aeronautical Company, who have loaned him to Byrd, in charge of the Wright-Cyclone, and two Wright-Whirlwind engines of the big Ford monoplane. Kennard Bubier and Benjamin Roth, of the United States Marine Corps and Army, respectively, are aviation mechanics of long experience. Martin Ronne is no stranger to the Antarctic, which he visited as a member of Amunsden’s expedition, in 1911-12. Ronne was sailmaker in the Fram, and during the voyage to the Bay of Whales, acted as tailor to the expedition. Ronne’s pride was a sewing-machine which he had begged before leaving. Norway, and his greatest sorrow was having to hand itovefl'To the shore party, on arrival at the Barrier. Nevertheless, he begged another when the ship reached Buenos Aires. Aniunsden said Ronne could use his machine for all sorts of things—sailmaker’s, shoemaker’s, saddler's, and tailor’s work was al! turned out with equal celerity. Perhaps-one of the things lie personally prided himself: most on having made was the little three-man tent, which was left at the South Pole by Aniunsden and his party, and which, surmounted by the Norwegian flag, was found there a month later by Scott and his companions. “It was,” wrote Aniunsden,'(“a little masterpiece of a tent, made of thin silk, which, folded, would easily have gone into a fair-sized pocket, and weighed hardly a kilogramme.” Martin, Ronne is accounted a very valuable member of Byrd’s expedition. Russell Owen is a member of the reporting staff of' the “New York Times, who has been given the assignment of reporting daily by radio the doings of the expedition for the next eighteen months. "It’s the greatest assignment a reporter ever had,” he remarked to a “Dominion representative yesterday. Willard Van der Veer is an experienced kincma film camera operator, employed by the Paramount News Film Corporation to pictorially record the work of the expedition. He accompanied Byrd to bpitzbergen in 1926. and his experiences have been many and varied. Four Aeroplanes Carried. high in huge crates and cases on the spacious upper fleck of the C. A. Larsen, which in a few weeks’ time will reck with the blubber and flesh of whale carcasses, is the flying equipment of the expedition, comprising four aeroplanes and a large supply of spare parts and equipment. There is a large Ford all metal monoplane, built of duralumin, a light but exceedingly strong alloy. The ’plane, which has a wing spread of 16 feet, is equipped with three motors, one a Wright-Cyclone engine of 500 horse-power, mounted on the nacelle, and the others mounted on either side on the wings, Wright-M Imlwind engines, each of 200 horse-power. The second- ’plane is a Fokker SuperUniversal monoplane, fitted with a 4W horse-power Pratten-Whitney “Vi asp aircooled engine, somewhat similar to the British “Bristol” engine. The ’plane was given a severe and successful testing-out in an SOOO-mile flight in September. . Another machine is a Fairchild cabin

monoplane, also fitted with a 400 horsepower Wasp engine. This ’plane has folding wings, and in tests mid actual service has proved eminently suitable for aerial photographic work, of which much will be done in the Antarctic. The fourth machine is a little threepassenger monoplane built by the General Aircraft Corporation. It is fitted with a new type of air-cooled 110 horse-power Warner engine. Similar ’planes'finished first, second and third in a low-power class aerial “Derby” in the United States The ’plane will be used in the Antarctic for reconnaissance work mid short dashes of 100 miles out mid back from the base. Transport Problems. The 'planes and about 100 tons of other equipment are being discharged at wellington by the C. A. Larsen mid will be given free storage by the Harbour Board until the arrival of . the City of New York and the Eleanor Bolling. The latter ship is now on her way from Papeete (Tahiti) to Wellington and is due here in about a week or ten days. The City of New York, which is coming direct from New York via the Panama Canal, is a much slower ship than the Bolling and will probably not arrive at Wellington for about three weeks. "There is going to be a lot of tancy stowing to get all the goods into these ships,” remarked an officer yesterday. It is proposed to load the aeroplanes and their equipment into the Eleanor Bolling, which will mean the transhipping of some of her present cargo to the other ship. It is possible that one of the small aeroplanes may be taken uy the City of New York. After completing their woik at 'Dei lington both ships will go on to Dunedin, where a large quantity of tool clothing, stores and other equipment Jias been landed during the last two or th ee months by direct steamer fro™ ed States. There are also the 100 sleiLe do"s at Dunedin to be shipped for the Antarctic. The animals, which originallv came from Labrador, were brought to New Zealand by the whaler Sir James Clark Ross. Voyage to the Ice Barrier. Commander Bvrd and his party will remain at Wellington until the nedit on moves on to Dunedin in the City of New York and Eleanor Bolling, and they’have some strenuous weeks ahead of them in getting the ships «ady tor then final departure tor the Ross Sea next month. If opportunity offers Co ™ m^ er . Bvrd and his men intend to see some thhig of New Zealand before they leave, but it all depends on the work ot stowing tl ’ C Tbe iP City of New York, a wooden barque with auxiliary steam power, was built- over 40 years ago in Norway as a whaler, and is specially constructed to withstand ice-pressure. In many parts the timbers of her hull are over «0 inches in thickness. Since she was purchased she has been completely overhauled anil refitted, and is now as st - aUI and well found as ever she was, if not indeed a great deal more so. Commanded by Captain Frederick C. Melville, a cousin of the late Herman Melville, author of sea stories and creator of- “Moby Dick,” the City of New York will accommodate 48 members of the expedition on the voyage to the Ross Sea. The Eleanor Bolling, commanded by Captain Gustav Brown, will carry the planes and tractors and most of the shore plant, including the houses. The personnel of the expedition numbers over 80 men, of whom 35-to 40 will form the shore party. They will land at the Bay of Whales some time in January, and will return when the work of thelexnedition is completed, probably about February or March 1930. Being the slower ship, the City of New York will eave New Zealand ahead of the Elinor Bolling, which, not being built for heavy work in the pack ice, will probably have to wait until conditions in the pack arc open enough to give her a reasonably good passage. The expedition will have the inestimable advantage of' getting wireless reports from the 0. A. Larsen on her southward passage as to the nature and extent of the pack .icfi this season. This was denied t ta' fqrrier explorers an the pre-whal-ing days, and Scott and Shackjeton spent weary weeks in the pack ice on their way to the Rqss Sen. ■' Extensive Radio Equipment.

The radio equipment is a “special feature of the Byrd Expedition.'- Both the ships are fitted with longwave and shortwave apparatus, by means of which they will be able to kc*» in touch witli the outsiiie world. The shore, station at the Bay of Whales will he similarly equipped, aiid the Tinies” representative, Mr!' 'RiisselLOweri, hopes to be able to supply'ldAliapiw daily with stories of the expedition’s doings. All the aeroplanes are provided with radio equipment of the latest type, embodying all the improvements suggested by Byrd’s Arctic experience, and that of, long-distance flights. The big Polar flight 'plane:will carry long and shortwave equipment, the formei?, working on about 600 metres. A small auxiliary shortwave set, working at 40 metres, will have a storage battery and a hand-driven power generator, so that it may be operated independently of the 'plane. Thus all the ’planes will be able to keep in touch with the main base during their flights. ' ■ n After landing the shore party and all the stores and equipment for a twelve months’ stay on the Ice Barrier, the City of New York and Eleanor Bolling will return to New Zealand to. refit and prepare for their second voyage starting toward the end of next year. v CIVIC RECEPTION AT TOWN HALL PIONEERING WORK OF SCOTT AND SHACKLETON COMMANDER BYRD’S TRIBUTE Enthusiastic scenes were witnessed in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall last evening, when Commander Byrd and party were accorded a civic reception. “You have como a long way to our shores from your homeland, ’ said the MavOr (Mr. G. A. Troup) in extending, on behalf of the citizens of Wellington, a

hearty welcome to Commander Byrd and party. "We want you to feel while you are withtas that yoii are amongst friends —-(applause) —for between your great country and. ours there lias always been the greatest “goodwill and friendly feelings. (Applause.) You are setting out upon-a great adventure, one hazardous in the extreme, but. at the same time fraughf with the.greatest possibilities in the way of discovery. You will add much to the knowledge and benefit of mankind as a result of your enterprising mission to what, after all, is a comparatively terra incognita, (Applause.) The Inhospitable Antarctic.

“Although other intrepid explorers, including Scott. Shackleton, Amundsen, and Mawson, have blazed the trail, and done much in-investigating the inhospitable i-egious about the Antarctic, much remains to be done. But a small portion 0 ~,! e Sl ' ea4 ai ’ ea llas been traversed (tour million square miles have yet to be explored), and while much scientific information has been obtained, there is still an unlimited field of investigation waiting you. In you, Commander Bvrd, we are all especially interested—(applause) — for we have been thrilled by your intrepid nights to the North Pole, and later across the Atlantic Ocean from America to Europe. (Applause.) No individual in this world, save yourself, can be credited with having accomplished both of these daring tasks —(applause)—and when you reach the South Pole, as we believe and trust ■ you will, then you will have added further laurels to your already full life and experiences. (Applause.) “Some of us have read your recentlypublished book ‘Skyward,’ from which we have gathered a good deal of what manner of man you are. (Applause.) We seem to know you. jjnd that makes our welcome al) the warmer. (Applause.) Associated with you are many scientists and others, each of them outstanding in' his profession and calling. To them also vve extend a hearty welcome. (Ap-. plause.) To all of .you we extend the city s welcome nnd with it our best wishes for .’Complete success in the great undertakihg to which you have set your minds, your hearts and your hands. (Loud and prolonged npnlause.) Government’s Welcome. Speaking on behalf of the Government, Sir Francis Bell said Commander Byrd and his men would be welcome not only in New Zealand but also in that part of it to which they were going, because, after all. the Ross Sea territory was part of New Zealand. (Laught . and applause.) Down there they would find that 6 o’clock closing was in operation—-(laughter)-—as well as town-planning. (Renewed laughter.) The race to the Pole between Byrd and Wilkins was nearly equal to that' between Scott and Amundsen. “I don't think I can fairly say I hope Commander Byrd - will get’ there first,” said Sir Francis Beil amidst laughter, “but I hope the best man will get there first.” (Applause.) .The expedition was fraught with danger, but Commander Bvrd had overcome danger in the past. He hoped he would return with further laurels. (Applause.) When he did return his recention would be no less hearty’ than if the feat had been performed by a New Zealander. (Applause.) Councillor H. D. Bennett said all New Zealanders would take a great deal of interest in the .adventures of the Byrd expedition down there in the great unknown regions. (Annlanse.) “And. may J say.” continued Mr. Bennett, “that we will not be without a thought for that Comman'ter Scott who lies frozen in the couth We exnress the devout hope th.at Providence will lend vou b.ack and deliver you safe to the home fires burning right across the Pacific for yon.” (Loud nppl.ause.) ■■■■■:. ’■ , Byrd’s ■ Tribute to Antarctic Pioneers.

Cheers greeted Commander Byrd when he rose to reply. “I wish to express my very deep gratitude and appreciation for this wonderful reception and for the hospitality..that; New Zealand is showing. us,’’- lie said when the applause had subsided. “Sir Francis Bell mentioned that Sir Hubert Wilkins’ls about to fly over our way. Sir Hubert Wilkins is a friend of mine. I admire him greatly—(applause)—and all the members of the expedition. and myself want to wish them the best of luck. (Applause.) We 1 have told him that if he flies to the' Ross Sea area he is welcome to our landing field. (Applause.) The last time I saw him in New York-he said he was going to fly over that way. So we hope 16 see him down there. (Applause.) Councillor sßennett referred to Scott. (Applause.) ■ Scott is one of my boyhood heroes. (Applause.) I read his book time and again and in honour of his memory and that of the great Shackleton—(applause)— are going to carry with us on our flight to the South Pole the British flag. (Loud applause,) Mawson. Scott: and Shackleton entered New Zealand. on their': expeditions. I have always read their books with the greatest interest find I .»havp learned a great deal about New Zealand. I always wanted to come here “I want to make this clear.” Com-, mander Byrd added. ‘“Those three gentlemem nnd Amundsen have gathered a great deal of scientific data and nil. we hope to do is just to add a litUe to what they have done. (Applause).' The obiect of our expedition is purely scientific. Those fellows went to. new territory anfl k they went for science—(applause)— and. of course, they got a great deal more than we will be. able to get. . . Our expedition is like n football team. Every man has got to do his bit. and if /we are able to accomplish anything it will be on account of the ■work of these splendid tallows I have got with me —volunteers all of them, who are going down there for the benefit of science. fAnnlause.) “Now,” sa'd the Commander in conclusion. “I bid you good-night and thank you again for your wonderful retention and hnsnitality.” (Loud and prolonged nnnlausn.) The National Anthem was then sung.

MORE STOWAWAYS When selecting the 'personnel of . his expedition Commander Byrd was inundated with offers from volunteers of all ages and both male and female. When the City of New York and the Eleaimr Bolling were about to sail four stowaways were found in the former ship and two in the latter. Robert White Larner, a. negro orphan boy. one of the stowaways in the City of New York, was 'retained on probation, but the others were put ashore. Soon after the C. A. Lprsen had left San Pedro two stowaways were found and were put to work by Captain Nilsen. They were about 18 years of age and not very robust, but they thrived amazingly during the passage. Arrangements are being made to send them back to California. COMMANDER’S. FRIEND THE TRAVELS OF IgV.OO. An interesting member of the expedition is Igloo, Commander . Byrd’s little fox terrier, which he took with him on the North Pole flight expedition. Igloo is 3J years old and a great pet.of the members of the expedition. He is fond of many things that ordinary dogs would despise, as for example nuts and oranges, which he eats with great gusto. On one occasion on the passage from San Pedro he even swallowed a set jf dice. He takes his name from the. Eskimo term for a htfr.