POLAR EXPEDITION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20114, 27 November 1928, Page 11

POLAR EXPEDITION.

ALL THE MEMBERS ASSEMBLE.

EARLY START FOR ROSS SEA.

LOADING THE PLANES AND DOGS.

[BY TELEGRArH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] DUN*EDIN\ Monday.

For the first time since the first contingent of the Byrd Antarctic expedition sailed out of New York Harbour, on August 25, all units of the expedition to-day met in Otago Harbour. Rather unexpectedly the City of New York arrived off the heads yesterday afternoon. Commander Byrd and the aviation personnel arrived this morning by the night express from Christchurch and the Eleanor Boiling,' which had gone to Wellington to take aboard the aeroplanes, also docked at Dunedin this morning. Happy reunions were made by the 81 members of the expedition, but they will soon be divided again, as the City of New York, after coming to Dunedin tomorrow to take aboard the planes, stores and dogs, will leave direct for the Ross Sea on Friday. Commander Bvrd will fail by the City of New York. So far there has not been a hitch in '.he arrangements. The Second In Command, It has I icon announced that Mr. Richard G. Brophy, the business manager, has been appointed second in command of thp expedition. In the expedition there are 17 men who went to the Arctic with Commander Byrd, while one of them, Mr. Martin Ronnie, was a member of Amund sen's successful Antarctic expedition. "We have a series of problems before us," said Commander Ryrd, when seen at Tort Chalmers this afternoon. "We greatly appreciate tho courtesy and co operation of the Otago Harbour Board. It has done everything possible and Mr. Taplev has also given every asistance. Our hardest task is to get ready in time to reach tho ico so as to go through it with tho C. A. Larsen, which is a powerful ice-breaker." City of New York Cleaned. The City of New York was docked on arrival and the scraping of the vessel was completed this afternoon. Sho will be floated out of dock at 6 a.m. to-morrow and then taken to Dunedin. Commander Byrd spent a busy day inspecting the vessel in the dry dock and in supervising the discharging of the heavy cases containing the aeroplanes and provisions from the Eleanor Boiling. Every man connected with the expedition took part in tho work, even tho scientists donning overalls and assisting in the ship's holds. The City of New York, which is tho principal ship of the expedition, made the journey from New York in fine weather. Captain Melville, who is in command, has visited New Zealand on a number of occasions in sailing vessels. Ho says he never was aboard a better sea boat and he anticipates no serious difficulties in the ico. The trip to tho Ross Sea will tako three weeks. Scientists With the Party. The vessel's complement is 33 and many are scientists. Mr. H. Harrison is an aerologist; Mr. Frank Davies, a magnetic expert: and Mr. G. H. Black, head tractor instructor. Mr. L. lv. Grenlic, tho radio operator, was with Commander Byrd in his North Polo expedition. Dr. Francis Coman is associated with one of the foremost research institutions in America. Two of the three radio operators have been lent by the United States Navy Department. Of three lads who stowed away in the ship Robert Lancer is the lucky one who was allowed to remain. He is a negro and an orphan and he wants to be the first negro to get to the South Pole. A number of seamen will, on arrival at the base, serve in a shore party as tractor operators, dog drivers, ski experts and ice pilots. A memento of Captain Scott will be carried by Commander Byrd. This is an engraved pen which was to have been presented to Captain Scott by the members of the Polar Legion, a small body of men connected with Polar research. The presentation could not bo made in I time before Captain Scott's depaiture and i lie did not- return to receive it. It was thought fitting that Commander Byrd should carry the pen on the present expedition and with that end in view it was placed in his hands before he left Xew York. FLYING OVER ANTARCTIC. COMMENCEMENT THIS YSAR. [BT TELICiUAPH. —PREPS ASSOCIATION. ] DTTNEDIJs, Monday. At a conference with his officers to-night Gonimandsr Byrd decided that a start should be made for the Antarctic on Friday. The City of New York will leave with sufficient men, equipment and planes to start flying this year. The Eleanor Boiling will follow as soon as possible, and return for tho remainder of the men, equipment, and supplies. The City of New York will take sufficient of everything to keep 25 men fed and employed through the winter. If the Eleanor Boiling can get through the ice a second time another 15 men will be added to the winter personnel.