DROPPING SUPPLIES FOR ELLSWORTH

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 81, 30 December 1935, Page 9

DROPPING SUPPLIES FOR ELLSWORTH

Ship Near Charcot Island PLANE’S TAKE-OFF WILL BE HAZARDOUS By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. (Received December 29, 7.30 p.m.) New York, December 28. A North American newspaper alliance message from the Wyatt Earp says that favourable winds brought the Wyatt Earp within 60 miles of Charcot Island two days ahead of time. The action of the winds was a mixed blessing. however, as it has wedged the icepack to the extent that a take-off by aeroplane from the icefields will be impossible and a take-off from the water by the use of pontoons will not be possible until the sea calms and, in any event, will be hazardous. Nevertheless pontoons have been fitted and the motor and other equipment given a final check. Lymburner will attempt a flight to drop food supplies for Ellsworth as soon as possible. As with pontoons fitted there will be no chance of landing on the ice, a long metal tubular container has been devised measuring 13 inches by 17 feet. It contains 340 pounds of food and fuel sealed from water and air. Two flags will also be dropped on the spot if the container lands lengthwise and not straight up, as it would be inconspicuous. The flight, once started, would be completed in a couple of hours, but just how long the expedition will feel justified in waiting for calm enough seas must be decided as time progresses. It is still felt that Ellsworth and Kenyon are at Little America and the expedition is anxious to push on there. Nevertheless every effort will be made to lay down a depot at Charcot Island as directed by Ellsworth.