DISCOVERY FOR NEW ZEALAND?

Evening Star, Issue 22414, 11 August 1936, Page 12

DISCOVERY FOR NEW ZEALAND?

To TEE EDITOR. Sir,—l read- with a great deal of interest tho letter of your correspondent “ Progress ” in' to-night’s * Star,’ and I heartily agrfee with him that every effort should be made to secure the Discovery for New Zealand. “Progress ” may not be aware that one of the objects of the New Zealand- Antarctic Society is tho ultimate acquisition of a suitable, vessel for carrying out Antarctic research work, but the present financial state of the society precludes the attainment of this aim for some years to come. Apart from the initial cost of _ the ship, there is the question of maintenance and stores, to say nothing of the wages of a- suitable personnel. [Vhile private subscription might purchase the Discovery, the question of' upkeep seems to me to be a matter for Government grant, and this should not be impossible, seeing that the Dominion Government collaborated with the British and Australian Governments in the cost of Sir Douglas Mawson’s 1929-31 expedition. Sir Douglas is naturally anxious to see this fine ship come to Australia, and on. behalf of my society I would suggest that if the Discovery cannot be purchased for this country, then, something could possibly bo done in the matter of a joint purchase by,, Australia and New Zealand, which would at least ensure that this famous vessel would still be spared to carry on her rightful work in the area where she has gained so much renown.—l am, etc,; H. F. GEifinns. Chairman, N.Z. Antarctic -Society (Dunedin Branch), August 10. *