BRYD’S RETURN

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 December 1934, Page 9

BRYD’S RETURN

EARLY NEXT YEAR. [BY CABLE —PBESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.] LITTLE AMERICA, December 14. Discussing the evacuation plans of his expedition, Admiral Byrd to-day pointed out that these would depend on the condition of the ice pack. He recalled that, in 1930, the City of New York was unable to reach the Bay of Whales until February 19. Two vessels of this expedition, the Bear of Oakland and the Jacob Ruppert, were scheduled to leave New Zealand on December 27 and January 15, respectively, but he believed that, in no event, would the expedition be able to start on the return trip before February 5, allowing the scientific staff time to complete its local investigations. Three field expeditions were all en route to the camp now. Blackburn’s geological party, which penetrated within 182. nautical miles of the South Pole, was starting back on its track down the 100 mile slope of the Thorne Glacier. The tractor and sledging parties report fair progress. With the midsummer .sun rising higher daily further along the range, aeroplane explorations were virtually impossible, as it was difficult to take off in the slushy snow. A flight to the north-east may be attempted, however, if unusually favourable weather conditions develop.