BYRD EXPEDITION

Hokitika Guardian, 11 March 1930, Page 6

BYRD EXPEDITION

REACHES DUNEDIN

LEAD ER’ S STAT EM ENTS

TBy Telegraph, Per Press Association.]

DUNEDIN, Alarch 10

After 453 days’ absence from civilisation, Rear Admiral Byrd and the members of his Expedition returned from the Frozen South to-dav, their mission having been successfully completed.

“Having been attended by good luck, wc have accomplished all that, we set out to do and perhaps a little more,’'’ said Admiral Byrd. “Wc are mighty glad that wo selected New Zealand as the base, and wo are mighty glad to get hack. It would have been impossible for any people to have treated us bettor, or . with greater courtesy, than the Now, Zealand people. The help they have given us has contributed to our success.”

Admiral Byrd said that his polar (light was not any more outstanding than the discovery of the new land, ‘comprising 280,000 square miles, which he liad named Marie- Byrd land. It was to tlie eastward of tho Ross'Dependency. The claiming of this land was not his main concern said Admiral Byrd. The expedition’s success had been, in a way, due to luck, and was largely owing to the very unselfish work and attitude of the men.

A royal welcome was given to the Admiral and his men, although the weather was’ cold and wet. A fleet of tugs," ’ferry boats, and mosquito boats' wpnf as'” far as the Heads to welcome the returning ships, City ol New York and Eleanor Bolling, and when they reached the harbour, discordant notes of greeting were piped from all parts of the bay. After her wretched trip to the Bay of Whales, the “City of New York” experienced fair weather back to New Zealand. For several days a piping gale was blowing, and she reached Otago Harbour ahead of the Eleanoi Bolling, which was hidden behind a black cloud of smoke as the barque came under a lee of tho Peninsula with all sails set.

Tho barque showed marks of her buffeting. When she left on her final (trip to the south, she was a spick and span ship but once again she is begrimed and ba’tterecl. On that momentous trip-to-the barrier, the ice was lying a foot thick on her foc’s’le head. yy -

About half a mile distant, the Eleanor Bolling followed up the harbour in the wake of the City of New York. After the harbour had been entered, the official party boarded the City of Njjfw- York, including Hon. Mr de la Perrelle, representing the Government ; 1 the Mayor, Mr Black; Air Gbw, Chairman •of tho Harbour Board r Cfi.pt. Drew, of the “Laburnum,’’ representing the Royal Navy; and Air Taplcy,. agent for the Expedition. Admiral Byrd said that, regarding the two planes they had left in tho Antarctic, arrangements had been made to have them returned to- America. There was no,.time to,ship them as it was a'race against time in getting away, as the Bay would have been frozen over in. a day or two. “When I .saw- that the -ico;was not going out of the Bay of Whales, I was naturally concerned, as it meant a very long haul of the cargo to the ships,” Admiral Byrd said. “The ice did not recede as it used to do, and it indicated that we had experience a colder period than Amundsen had. Whether this had condition was periodic or permanent, 1 am not prepared to say.” AVhen the City of New York reached the wharf about 2.45 p.m. she was greeted by a round of cheers from thousands lining the wharf. The Kaikorai Bank struck up the “St-” '•'’-''angled Banner;” Admiral Byrd standing at salute at the head of the gangway.

NAVAL FELICITATIONS.

DUNEDIN, Alarch 10.

When" the Expedition ships arrived, the following naval signal was despatched by an officer of H.M.S. Laburnum ou behalf of Commander Hotham: “I nave been asked by Commodore Blake, who commands the New Zealand' Division of the Royal Nav,\ to offer you, your officers and crew, the heartiest congratulations and a

warm welcome on your return from the Antarctic after such a successful expedition. Polar exploration has always been a subject ol interest to us in the navy since tho exploits of the late Captain Scott. It gives os great pleasure to feel that this expedition lias been so successfully led by officers of the Navy of the United States of America. The Commodore is, unfortunately, unable to be present in person, and lie lias further asked me to express his regrets at his unavoidable absence from the welcome to Rear Admiral Byrd.”

CIVIC RECEPTION

DUNEDIN, Alarch 10

This evening a civic reception was accorded Admiral Byrd and his officers in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall by a large and enthusiastic gathering of citizens. The Mayor (Mr R. S. Black) welcomed the guests on behalf ol the citizens.

Hon Air de la Perrellc, Alinister of Internal Affairs (for the Government) and Commander Hothain (HALS. Laburnum) For the Navy. Admiral Byrd, Professor Gould (his second in command) and Dr Davies (physicist to Expedition) replied.