CAPTAIN WILKINS

Evening Star, Issue 19857, 4 May 1928, Page 4

CAPTAIN WILKINS

FUTURE PLANS FLIGHT TO GRAHAM’S LAND. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright NEW YORK, May 2. The Svalbard correspondent of the ‘ Now York Times ’ interviewed Captain Wilkins, who hopes to reach Now York on May 7. He is making plans to fly from Ross Sea to Graham’s Land, and is not rivalling Commander Byrd’s efforts to roach tho South Pole, but they may have bases near each other. Captain Wilkins will fly from the west, and will follow the coast of Graham’s Land, while Commanded Byrd, will fly inland and south.

Captain Wilkins added that Antarctic flying presents difficulties and problems widely different from those of the Arctic, hut the two summers he has spent in the neighbourhood of Graham’s Land have given him some idea of the requirements. He expressed confidence in Commander Byrd’s success in his Antactio venture, and said that delay might give Colonel Nobile serious trouble, since Arctic explorations are extremely difficult in summer, although it is possible to operate aircraft above the Arctic fogs. He expressed confidence in Colonel Nobile’s ability and knowledge.—Australian Press Association. WRITING A BOOK. OSLO, May 3. (Received May 4, at 1 a.m.) Captain Wilkins is spending his time while waiting for a. ship in writing a book, entitled ‘Aly Polar Flights.’ He states that ho does not think it impossible to live in the Arctic regions near the Pole. He is strongly of opinion that future air routes will closely follow his, because of the excellent landing bases in Alaska.—Australian Press Association.