ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION

Greymouth Evening Star, 6 December 1928, Page 5

ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION

BYRD MAKES GOOD PROGRESS.

(United Service.)

(Received December 6,2 p.m.) NEW YORK, December 5.

A despatch from Russell Owen, on board the City of New York, in tow of the Eleanor Bolling, dated noon on Wednesday, says: We are 500 miles south of Tairoa Head, with gentle winds, bright sky and light clouds. In fact, it is the best weather any Antarctic expedition ever experienced in this region of fierce gales and high seas. The City of New York carries not only one aeroplane, but good supplies, sufficient for twenty men on the ice for a year, even if the Eleanor Bolling should not return "with more materials, thus making this self-supporting unit able to function scientifically in all departments, including aviation.

The plan to have the Eleanor Bolling tpw the City of New York to the ice has worked out excellently. In addition to giving us fair speed during the period of head winds, it also insures for us a fully supplj r of coal when the ice pack is reached, and the Eleanor Bolling turns back. The problem of carrying enough coal on these wooden boats has always been serious. It was Scott’s greatest worry, -during his last trip through the ice pack. WILKINS’ ORDEALS. (Recd. Dec. 6, 10 a.m.) LONDON, December 5. Wilkins wirelessed from Deception Island:—

“Owing to the high wind and piercing cold, we have abandoned tlhe repairing of the plane until better weather. Moisture froze our lashes, noses, and finger tips.”