WANTS TO GO SOUTH

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 10 November 1928, Page 5

WANTS TO GO SOUTH

LONG TRIP IN VAIN. ENTHUSIASTIC GIOLOGIST. SOUGHT SKIT VICE WITH BYRD. (By Telegraph —Preoa Association.) WELLINGTON, Nov. 9. Eirocl by ambition to prosecute geological research in the frozen fastnesses of the Antarctic, and burning with a desire to become a member of Commander Byrd’s expedition, a young man arrived m Wellington the other day after travelling all the way from Czecho-Slovakia, the young republic of Central Europe that celebrated' the tenth anniversary of its independence at the end of last month. The men of Czecho-Slovakia are evidently a- determined lot. The "young man is Dr. Vacloo Vojtech, a native of Czecho-Slovakia and graduate of the University of Prague. He is a geologist who, when Commander Byrd was selecting the personnel of his expedition some months ago, worte and asked to be enrolled as a. member. There were more than 5000 applicants for places in the expedition! Many of them "were, .of course, ineligible, but it was surprising the number of caprAle scientific _ men as well as mariners who were willing to go in any capacity. One of these was Dr. Voitech'.- whose application was rejected by Commander Byrd, who naturally concluded that that was the end of the matter. Now, two o" three days after his arrival at Wellington. * Commander Bvrd is confronted by the young man in person, who seeks a place in the expedition on any terms and' in any capacity.

Dr. Voiteeh insists that he sold most of his possessions to pay his nassage from Czecho-Slovakia to New Zealand, and' that he will he a “ruined man” if he is not taken as a member of the expedition. It is all very unfortunate. but Commander Byrd has all the men he can possiblv do with, and be is rearretfnlly compelled to tell Dr. Vacloo Voiteeh that his long journey has been in vain. In any case, be bad previously been informed hv letter that his proffered services l could not he accented.