POLAR ADVENTURE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 111, 10 April 1934, Page 6

POLAR ADVENTURE.

Admiral Byrd’s hope that “no one will make anything” of his plan, now put into effect, to spend the Antarctic winter alone in a tiny cabin on the Ross Ice Barrier, 120 miles south of the headquarters of his expedition, has not convinced one of his principal financial supporters that it should be viewed in this light. Mr Jacob Ruppert, the gentleman in question, has had the opportunity of discussing this feature of Admiral Byrd’s leadership with the commander of the expedition’s main ship who is in America en route to Europe. That interview has convinced him that Admiral Byrd’s personal safety is at stake, and through the radio he has urged him to return to the base. Mr Ruppert is not alone in holding misgivings as to the wisdom of Admiral Byrd’s resolve. Apparently, but for the unfortunate delay in unloading the supplies at the Barrier, the leader would have been accompanied by another man chosen from the best of the expedition’s personnel. Now, as he has said in a message despatched as the last tractor party left him to return northwards to the base, he is completely isolated in the world’s southernmost weather observatory. In the seven months of his lonely vigil and self-im-posed ordeal, imprisoned in his tiny cabin amidst the intense cold, blizzards, and desolation of the frozen Antarctic wastes, unrelieved by the cheerful light of day, Admiral Byrd’s only connection with the outside world will be his radio equipment. If it fail, his ordeal will be indeed appalling, adding to the tremendous discomforts of his isolation. There are, however, the possibilities of sickness and accident, but ev r en succour might not be possible, and a rescuing expedition might easily meet disaster. It may be recalled that in 1930-31 Mr Augustine Courtauhl, a member of a British expedition to Greenland, spent the winter alone in a hut on the ice cap, but his actual period of imprisonment was ttvo months. Fears were felt for his safety and a rescuing- party found him fit and well. His ordeal does not compare with Admiral Byrd’s, but may be cited to shoAV the possibility of the famous American explorer coming unscathed through his adventure. Nevertheless, it is a most hazardous one, inviting the opinion that any contribution it makes to the cause of science is not worth the tremendous risks attached. Admiral Byrd’s courage and devotion to Polar exploration have led him to undertake this unique and disquieting task, and it appears to be too late for him to give heed to Mr Ruppert’s prudent counsel.