“DISCOVERY” EXPEDITION.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 5 February 1925, Page 6

“DISCOVERY” EXPEDITION.

PREPARATIONS AT SOUTH GEORGIA.

LONDON, Dec. 4. More time than was anticipated is being devoted to the overhaul arid reconstruction of the ship Discovery, so that it will be some mouths yet before the new expedition, commanded by Lieut.-Commander J. R. Stenhouse, will set out for the Antarctic. The primary purpose of the expedition is research into whaling at South Georgia and the South Shetlands] but general scientific work affecting oceanography, meteorology, and magnetism will be carried out.

If time permits, it is proposed that on her first voyage the Discovery should proceed to Stanley, Falkland Islands, carrying out a programme of scientific observations on the way; and that from Stanley she should proceed to South Georgia, arriving there about the commencement of the whaling season in October, 1925. In the meantime a marine station in connection with the expedition is being ' established at Gfytviken, South Georgia. The plans were prepared at Home, and the building was constructed in sections in this country to facilitate erection locally. Provision has also been made for a laboratory, and a considerable portion of the ■, necessary scientific equipment has been shipped. Simultaneously with the erection of tho marine station, a wireless station, and other buildings belonging to the Colonial Government, are being constructed under contract with the Marconi Company, and the necessary technical staff under the orders of a superintending engineer have been sent from England. The scientific staff at the marine station will consist of three zoologists and a hydrologist, with a laboratory assistant, namely: Zoologists, N. A. Mackintosh (in charge), ,T. F. C. Wheeler. L. H. Matthews; hydrologist, A. J. Clones; laboratory assistant, A. Saunders. Mr N. A. Mackintosh has already left for South Georgia, and the other members of the staff are expected to sail from Liverpool this week. Pending the completion of the repairs to the Discovery, the remaining members of the scientific staff are engeged in London in necessary preparatory work in connection with the expedition, and the captain of the Discovery, together with the chief officer, are engaged in similar work in connection. with the ship. The officers who have alreadv been appointed are as follow: Director of research, S. W. Kemp; zoologists, A. C. Hardy, J. E. Hamilton, E. R. Gunther; hydrologist. H. F. P. Herdman : commanding officer, Lieut.-Corii-mander ,T. R. Stenhouse: medical officer, Lieut.-Colonel E. H. Marshall; chief officer, Ernest E. F. Letts.