POLAR EXPLORATION

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 16 November 1929, Page 5

POLAR EXPLORATION

THE LAST GOAL.

FORD ’PLANE BEING PREPARED.

DROPPING OF FUEL. By Russell Owen, copyrighted, 1929, by the “New York Times” company and “St. Louis Post and Despatch." All rights for publication reserved throughout the world. Wireless to “New York Times." Received 10.30 a.m. to-day. BAY OF WHALES, Nov. 14. The weather continues to be fickle, and it, makes exploring and flying seem unlikely until early in December. A dump valve is being made for the big Ford ’plane so that, if necessary, part of the fuel load can be dropped on the polar flight. If a forced landing were made the ship would be lightened and if one motor stalled fuel would also be dropped, so that the remaining motors might, carry the ’plane out from the plateau to where a landing could bo made on the barrier near the inland base.

The ’plane must fly at such a. high altitude over the 10,000-foot plateau that the release of even a small part of the fuel load should make a great difference in flying.

SUPPLY SHIPS’ MOVEMENT

(By Telegraph —Press Association.) DUNEDIN. Nov. 15

The Byrd expedition ship, City of New York, will leave here about .December 15 for the Antarctic and the Eleanor Bolling, on January 5. The latter will carry the ’planes bade. The departure of the vessels on the dates, mentioned all depends on word from Commander Byrd whether the ice has broken.