STORING THE PLANES

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 11 January 1929, Page 9

STORING THE PLANES

PREPARING FOR WINTER.

WILKINS SEEKS BASE. RETURN TO CIVILISATION. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright.! (Australian Preso Association—United Service.) Received, 12.20 p.m. to-day. LONDON, Jan. 10. Sir Hubert Wilkins, in a wireless message, states: “Our present exploration trip is ended. To-morrow we will seek a place l to store the machines and equipment and investigate the possibility of a speedy return to civilisation. This decision was reached following another flight when we travelled 250 miles over country seeking a. more southern base accessible by boat, and where l move favourable conditions were likely. The surface appeared almond solid enough to land upon, yet we knew if the engine failed it would hurtle through the billowy mass and jagged peaks below. On account of the restricted load we were compelled to return home. AVe have determined to postpone further efforts until next season, when we hope to establish a base on the continent itself and start thence to fly along the unexplored coast of 1800 miles of Ross Sea. Barrier.”