POLAR QUEST BY AIR

Hawera Star, Volume L, 5 March 1931, Page 9

POLAR QUEST BY AIR

PLANS FOR GRAF ZEPPELIN EXPEDITION THIS SUMMER AMPLE BACKING EXPECTED (United Preea Association—By Electrio Telegraph Copyright.) Received 2 p.m. to-day. NEW YORK, March 4. The Graf Zeppelin will make a fiveday polar exploration expedition in JuiJ if Herr Hugo FJckner succeeds in his plans to finance the project. Ebkner stated on arrival to-day oy the Europa, with his daughter, Lotte, that he is confident that the trip would not lack' backing. It, was planned to fly via Leningrad over Franz Land and St. Niehtfla’s Land. Eight or nine scientists would he aboard. “There is a possibility that wo may discover many small islands,” he said. “We also want to Observe the reaction o*f the airship to Arctic weather. The trip will require no preparation other than arrangements tor heating the cn'bi n . 9 r ' Fbknei* added that ’planes, for a now riant ship being built in Germany had been altered, causing a year’s delay. “The RlOl disaster convinced me that it is advisable to use nothing but helium gas in the future. The change from hydrogen gas in the new ship necessitates it being about 20 per cent. 1 a rger. ’ ’ ______