BYRD’S EXPEDITION

Greymouth Evening Star, 8 October 1928, Page 2

BYRD’S EXPEDITION

WIRELESS MESSAGES.

(Press Aflßooiation.)

GISBORNE, October 8.

The inauguration of the weekly programme of wireless messages from members of the Byrd antarctic expedition at present aboard the base ship City of New York, en route to Dunedin, took place yesterday afternoon,! Pittsburg station KDKA. being occupied over two hours reading messages and greetings from all parts of the world to explorers. Throughout the broadcast, Robert Patty, Station 2AE., Gisborne, and Alex Reid, station 28E., Montreal, amateur operators, stood by to check the results of the transmission, R.eid reporting direct to the organiser George A. Wendt of the Canadian Westinghouse company. KDKA which has dropped the wave length to 25.5 metres, was heard distinctly from early afternoon and the initial vocal broadcast was considered highly satisfactory. Subsequently Wendt spoke from KDKA. intimating that the programmes would be continued weekly. He acknowledged the report received from Patty, ami expressed appreciation of the assistance given by him in the preliminary tests.

WILKINS’ EXPEDITION.

RIO DE JANIERO, October 5.

The explorer, Wilkins, has arrived here on the “Southern Cross.” He declared that he would embark on the Norwegian whaler “Hectora” at Monte Video, and would proceed immediately to Deception Island to establish his first base, where he will 'assemble his planes. Wilkins said that his expedition will be perfectly organised. He is confident of success. He says that a powerful radio will be established at one base to keep in touch with the expedition and report to the outside world.