MISSING ITALIA

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 1 June 1928, Page 5

MISSING ITALIA

SEARCH BY STEAMER FAILS.

LAND PARTIES SENT OUT. RUSSIA PROVIDES EXPEDITION' (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION— BY ELECTS It TELEGRAPH—COPYRIGHT.) (AUSTRALIAN PRESS ASSOCIATION - UNITED SERVICE.) LONDON, May 30. A copyright wireless message front the Citta di Milano, dated at King s Bay, states: “Our efforts to reach \ er-leo-enhoek, at the- extreme north of (he Friesland Promontory, failed owing to an ioa barrier "W-hidi til© uoith min u raised on the northern coast of Spitsbergen. We hoped until Sunday to reach the goal, for the Citta di Milano was steaming at a fair speed. “Despite vast numbers oi immense ice blocks driven by the wind and also snow squalls whicn often blotted out all visibility, there still remained a sufficient channel of clear water to squeeze through. Sudd©nly & white dyk© Coined ahead and th© pilot climbed to th© topmast necking a way round, but lie returned and reported that further advance' was impossible and the captain ordered the ship to turn about when between Spitsbergen and Danes Island “Meanwhile we had prepared to land a search party under one Kramer an experienced hunter and trapper. Only four men were available, but all ol them were skilled mountaineers and noted ski experts. .Their object was to reach Mossel Bay, via trappers’ stations. “The north coast is a most rugged and broken region. The party as it proceeded was to enlist the assistance of all trappers in the Wilde Bay areq. Before proceeding they were to make a reconnaissance in the direction of .North Friesland, communication with the Citta di Miltno being maintained by messengers. “Using Southgate or Green Harbour as their headquarters, other search parties are also being arranged. Ail hopes and plans are based on the assumption that General Nobile lia,s been stranded on the Friesland coast or the ivest coast of North-East Land.” The Oslo correspondent of the “Daily News” states that “an insult to the Norwegian Government” is low the Morgenblodet describes Signor Mussolini's personal cablegram to toe Italian Minister that Norwegian help in the search is at present not recuired. The paper adds that Italy should apologise seeing how promptly Norvay has already acted. Advices from Riga stare that the Soviet Aviation 'Department has decided to organise an urgent relief expedition. Icebreakers and hyiroplanes have already left Archangel.