POLAR EXPLORATION.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 4 May 1928, Page 5

POLAR EXPLORATION.

NORTH AND SOUTH. VAR 10 US EXPEDITIONS DISCUSSED(UNITED TRESS ASSOCIATION—BY EI.ECTHK TELEGRAPH—COPYRIGHT.) (AUSTRALIAN PRESS ASSOCIATION.) NEW YORK, May 2. The Svalbard correspondent of the “New York Times” has interviewed Captain Wilkins, who hopes to reach New York on July 1. He is making plans to fly from the North Sea to Graham’s Land. He is not rivalling Commander Byrd’s efforts to reach the South Pole, but they may have bases near each, other. Captain Wilkins will fly from the west and will follow the coast of Graham’s Land, while Commander Byrd flies inland and south. Captain Wilkins added that Antarctic flying piesents difficulties and problems widely different from those of the Arctic, 'but the two summers lie spent in the neighbourhood of Graham’s Land has given him some idea of the requirements. He expressed confidence in Commander Byrd’s success in his Antarctic venture. He said delay may give General Nobile serious trouble since Arctic explorations are extremely difficult in summer, although it is possible to operate aircraft over Arctic fogs. He expressed confidence in General Nobile’s ability and knowledge. General Nobile left Stolp at 3.25 on Thursday morning in liis airship Italia for Spitsbergen en route to the North Pole. ,