Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, DECEMBER 2nd., 1929. POLAR FLIGHT

Greymouth Evening Star, 2 December 1929, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, DECEMBER 2nd., 1929. POLAR FLIGHT

Zealand will wholeheartedly join in the universal acclamations and praise of Commander Byrd and his companions for their successful aerial journey to the South Pole and return. No question of nationality arises on these historic occasions, and although the United States has special cause for gratification, her triumph is shared ‘by,all countries, (and particularly by Britain and Norway, whose own countrymen had been the pioneers in the journey to the South Pole. Because Byrd did so well, it must not be assumed that the venture was easy. The risks were enormous, and a little more bad luck may have transformed triumph into tragedy. Byrd has won permanent fame for his aerial exploits, and his unique record, so far as Polar exploration is concerned, ranks him as the world’s greatest airman.

Comparisons cannot be altogether avoided between the arduous labours, long drawn out, of men like Scott, Shackleton and Amundsen, with the speed and ease with which Byrd’s flights were accomplished. Such comparison does not

detract in any way from Byrd’s exploits, and he is the first to -make generous admission that his predecessors had the harder task. Byrd is evidently a great organiser and one who gets the utmost support from his subordinates, and throughout he has proved worthy of his great responsibilities, and task. The cost of these Polar expeditions is ‘ enormous. Byrd has stated that he lost heavily by his North Polar Flight, and that 'his subsequent earnings from lectures and books had to be used to meet these debts. It is unlikely that he will gain much more than fame from his latest success, unless a grateful country makes a special effort to give him adequate financial reward for his temerity and services. The flight to the South Pole does not' complete the work, of the Expedition, which will remain in the Antarctic investigating the territorial, geological, climatic, and other district' features. Much information, scientific and otherwise, must result from these researches, the benefits from which will be at the world’s disposal. Meanwhile, the Expedition has succeeded in attaining its most spectacular object, and the summarised story of the venture as published to-day will be read with close interest. When, in due course, the full description, together with the pictures taken, is available, Byrd and his companions will be seen to have upheld the best traditions of the many gallant adventurers who preceded them. Aviation and radiography helped them to make history, and add to the many wonders of this ful era in the story of man and the world he lives in.