READY TO START.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 9 May 1925, Page 5

READY TO START.

AMUNDSEN’S AEROPLANES.

DASH TO THE POLE

IIY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT. LONDON, May 7. A message lias been received from Captain Roald Amundsen’s expedition, sent from Spitzbergen on Thursday. The message stated that the weather is good and the flying prospects rinehanged. There are low clouds, with snowstorms driving before the north wind. If there is no alteration during the day the meteorologist will advise Captain Amundsen not to start till Friday. A wireless from the i' ram on tne evening of May 6, delayed owing to atmospheric disturbances, states: “lhe Fram and the Hobby arrived at the north coast of Spitzbergen on Wednesday morning. We have since patrolled the coastline to find the best starting point, but it appears impossible to find a fiord with level ice for a 6tart, as the edge of the ice is not packed. After failing to enter Kobbe Bay, ‘Wellman’s Bay, or force the ice north of Amsterdam Island, the vessels entered the south channel between Danes Island and the mainland of Spitzbergen, where there is a long. stretch. of sheltered open water. Captain Amundsen has been advised of this. “Probably a start will be made from the south channel, where the ’planes will he fuelled alongside the Hobby. The ice conditions are not good, as northerly winds are sweeping ice southwards. Drift ice from King’s Bay lies northwards ill a curve to Amsterdam Island, which is three-quarters of a mile from the shore. There is also sludge ice in the fiords, but this is not heavy enough to prevent manoeuvring the ship's or to prevent starting or landing the ’planes. It is hopeless to attempt to force the ice northwards or eastwards of Amsterdam Island. “After the Fram and the Hobby left King’s Bay we expected to hear that the ’planes w'ere ready to start, but under engine tests it* was discovered that a new carburetter was necessary. To-day the Fram was without .news as to when the ’planes are arriving. “The temperature fell from minus 10 to minus 15 degrees Centigrade. Visibility is had owing to wind from the polai- basin sweeping the cold air southwards towards the warmer open sea: There are clouds over the northern coast of Spitzbergen, but it is clear inland over the ice. The low pressure over Labrador is not expected to affect flying during the first fortnight after the start, when the airmen may be expected back. The Fram and Hobby are remaining together in the. fairway at Danes Island. If the visibility becomes worse the Hobby will proceed east, but not beyond Verlegenhook. “If the ’planes do not return after 14 days the Hobby will proceed eastward, if possible to the North Cape, and patrol near the ice. edge, as it is possible that the shins will await the airmen for six weeks after the start. The Fram will he at King’s Bay from May 16 to May 19 for boiler cleaning, when the members of the expedition who are desirous can accompany the Fram in order to return home. “The vessels late on Wednesday evening are moored at the edge of the ice in . the south channel, and as the weather is cloudy with driving snow the meteorologists have telegraphed to Captain Amundsen, advising him not to start on Thursday. After observation the south channel has been recommended as the starting place.”