POLAR EXPLORER

Evening Star, Issue 21488, 12 August 1933, Page 11

POLAR EXPLORER

ARRIVAL DF LINCOLN ELLSWORTH A CAREER OF THRILLS [Specui, to tuie ‘ Star.’] AUCKLAND, August 11. Afr Lincoln Ellsworth, who is accompanied by his wife and mother-in-law, Airs J. S. Ulmer, has not made up his mind where he will stay in New Zealand prior to leaving lor Antarctica. Ho will probably go to National Park first. His idea is to bo amongst ice and snow practically all the time. “ I have no desire to remain in the cities and towns,” he said._ “ I will do as much mountain climbing as 1 can.” Mr Ellsworth said he hoped to be able to assemble his plane on the Wyatt Earp. Ho would not have quarters ashoro if ho could avoid it. Ho did not expect to bo at the Bay of Whales longer than two months. We must get out before it freezes lip,” ho said. If everything went well it was possible for him to be back in New Zealand in February. Ho would not go back to America in the Wyatt Earp, but would probably rejoin her at Panama. Mr Ellsworth said that, apart from himself, Sir Hubert Wilkins, Bernt Balchen, and tho radio man, the complement of the Wyett Earp were all Norwegians, and with whaling bxperionco in the Antarctic. “ When wo make our dash)’’ he said, “ it will no doubt be at a time when tho wind is blowing direct from tho pole. Tho south wind is the best for our venture.” The story of Afr. Ellsworth’s career is a romance of strenuous adventure and endeavour. He is known most for his gallant scientific work in the air. He headed an expedition across the Andos, made with Amundsen tho first successful penetration of the Arctic regions in the Amundseu-Ellsworth expedition, sponsored by the Aero Club of Norway. Each of the two men navigated a piano weighing more than 7,0001 b, with loads of over 6,0001 b. Adverse winds forced a landing at latitude 87.14. Their expedition surveyed from the air about 125.000 miles of unknown country .took soundings in the Polar Sea, showing a depth of 12,375 ft. in 1926 the two men resumed operations in a plane with Captain Umberto Nobile as pilot. They (tew from Rome to Spitsbergen, over 5.000 miles. Thence they set out over the Polar Sea, and flew over tho North Pole. Flying low, they dropped the Norwegian, Italian, and American flags. Ellsworth redeived tho special gold medals of Congress, the Grand Cross (with star) of tho Order of St. Olaf, from the King of Norway; the King Humbert _ gold medal of the Royal Geographical Society of Italy, and a special gold medal from the Norwegian Government for saving the lives of his men. He is the author of several hooks describing his experiences, the latest one, called 1 Search,’ fully illustrated, being an autobiographical thriller.