LURE OF THE POLES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19217, 5 January 1926, Page 9

LURE OF THE POLES.

CAPT. WILKINS' VENTURES. VALUE TO METEOROLOGISTS. FORECASTING OF THE SEASONS. By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright. A. and N.Z. DETROIT, Jan. 3. Captain G. H. Wilkins, the explorer, has been entertained by 'American scientists at a dinner given by the Detroit Aviation Society, prior to his departure on his trans-polar flight. Tho speakers declared that Captain Wilkins probably would discover a new land for tho United States. Dr. I. Bowman, director of tho American Geographic Society, said that Captain Wilkins had a combination of qualities possessed by no other man in the world. He was not only an experienced aviator, but was also a gallant officer. Captain Wilkins, in speaking of his aspirations in regard to the proposed Arctic venture, reiterated his belief and confidence that he would secure valuable and useful data as a result of his Antarctic venture. Ho emphasised the economic importance to the world that it should know what both polar regions could offer in tho way of development. The coming ventures to the Arctic and Antarctic regions, said Captain Wilkins, would afford an extensive opportunity to gather meteorological data by means of which seasons may be forecasted. This was one of tho principal reasons that had actuated him in undertaking the flights.