IN THE FROZEN NORTH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19280, 19 March 1926, Page 13

IN THE FROZEN NORTH.

BRITISH ARCTIC EXPEDITION.

NEW ZEALANDERS TAKE PART. DETAILS OF THE VENTURE. VALUABLE RESEARCH WORK. New Zealand's prestige in the world of science and adventure was enhanced considerably last year, when two New Zealanders, Commander Frank Worsley, D.5.0., of Christ church, and Mr. Gordon Burt, of Dunedin, a member of the firm of A. and T. Burt, Limited, played a prominent part in the British Arctic expedition. Mr. Burt, who was chief engineer of the expedition ship. Island, returned to Auckland by the Waimana yesterday and in an interview made many interesting observations. In 1922, Mr. Burt went to England to gain experience in the engineering world and lie was studying for a degree at the Liverpool University when he accepted the position of chief engineer of the Island The expedition was financed by publicspirit eil men in England, and it was originally intended to make a dash by air to the North Pole. Owing to the fact that the airship was not completed as soon as anticipated, however, it was found necessary to abandon (his project on account of the lateness of the season, and the expedition was turned into a scientific venture. The Island left Liverpool in June of last year on her wsr.y to the Arctic regions with Mr. Algersson, a young Canadian, in command, and Commander Worsley as second in command. "The Island was well equipped to withstand the dangers of the ice," stated Mr. Burt. "The frame was made of heavy oak beams to stand up to the tremendous pressure. She had a 100-horse power semi-Deisel engine and provision for sails. The. vessel also had aboard many vahiablc scientific instruments." At Green Harbour in Spitzbergen final preparations wore made for the journey North. Sledges and dogs wore taken aboard. The Island then proceeded oil to King's Baj r , where final supplies were shipped. Many Exciting Adventures. From the time the Island started North in July until she returned to Spitzbergen in the middle of October, scientific research was mingled with thrilling adventure, said Mr. Burt. An ice pack was struck a few days out from King's Bay. Then commenced an arduous and dangerous push. On one occasion tha ship's rodder was damaged, but by clearing the ice away at the stern, Mr. Burt was able to repair it. Polar bears were shot and tho meat used for eating to keep the dreaded scurvy away. Later tho Island became wedged in a solid ice pack and it seemed that sho could never withstand the strain. Tho little vessel proved her worth, however, and when firially clear a dash was made for Franz Josef Land. Ilero valuable scientific research was carried out. The vessel made her way further North through heavy pack ice and when tho Island reached her northernmost point—about tho 82nd parallel—Commander Worsley anci Mr. Burt hoisted the New Zealand flag. '"Phis was a proud moment," Mr. Burt said. "The New Zealand flag has never boon as far North before."

As the winter was then coming on it was decided to hasten back to Spitsbergen. The journey was fraught with disaster. The propeller was smashed in the heavy ice and complete reliance find to be placed in the sails. Further south the Island narrowly missed being smashed by the ice. As the vessel was passing a tremendous iceberg a big laQ of ice occurred narrowly missing tha Island. From then terrific galos wer» encountered. On one occasion a gale suddenly struck the Island when all the lifeboats were hanging over the side in case ofv-emergency. Considerable damage was done and the deck house was. nearly swept away. As the gale wore on the Island was driven on some uncharted rocks. After two days' strenuous work the crew were able to refloat the vesseL When she reaches! Spitsbergen she was badly damaged and nepairs had to be effected before returning to England. The Change ol Leadership. Speaking of the change of leadership when Commander .Worsiey replaced Algarsson, Mr. Bnrt said cabled reports had misconstrued the whole position. There was no ill-feeling between them. When the Island was in difficulties it was decided, in view of Commander Worslev's past experience, that he should b« the leader. As a matter of fact Algarsson willingly gave hira the place. Commander Worsiey handled tbe Island splendidly and much was due to him for the safe return of the vessel. "The results of the research work carried out will prove of inestimable value, stated Mr. Burt. "Commander Worsiey proved the existence of a marine platean between Spitsbergen and Franz Josef Land. The position of Victoria Island wii-1 corrected and other scientists in the expedition collected much valuable data. Mr. Bart said that Commander Worsiey was writing a book regarding the expedition. He would probably visit the Dominion within a few months and give illustrated lectures. Pictures were taken by Mr. Bee-Mason, the official cinematoKrapher, who was also with Sb&ckftltflfi on his expedition. These -would be shown here in' doe course. Among Mr. Burt's souvenir s of the expedition are a bear a skull and a fr®*** l " tiful bear skin. In a day or two Mr. Burt, who is the guest of Mr. Alex. Burt, of Ponsonby, will proceed to hi 3 home in Dnnedia.