MISHAP TO DISCOVERY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20324, 3 August 1929, Page 13

MISHAP TO DISCOVERY.

QUAY STRUCK IN THAMES.

VESSEL NOT DAMAGED.

Australian and N.Z. Press Association. LONDON, Aug. J.

Sir Douglas Mawson's ship Discovery left the East India Dock, London, for Cardiff in driving rain and half a gale. She had just cleared tho dockhead when the towrope snapped. Tho current drove the Discovery against tho quay. There was a sound of rending timbers, but the ship %vas unscathed. Further trouble was averted by dropping the anchor until a new tow rope was fixed, after which she steamed down the river in the wake of a big liner, with which she made a striking contrast.

The personnel of the scientific staff of the Australian Antarctic Expedition was announced recently by the chairman of the Australian committee. Sir George Pearce, as follows:

Commander: Sir Douglas MawsOD, Professor of. Geology (Adelaide). Medical Officer: Dr. W. Wilson Ingram, of Macquarie Street, Sydney. Senior Zoologist: Professor Harvey Johnston, Professor of Zoology (Ade« laide). Assistant Zoologist (with special dutie3 in taxidermy): Mr. H. O. Fletcher (Ans» tralian Museum, Sydney).' Assistant Zoologist (specialising ia orinthology and taxidermy): Mr. Falla, New Zealand. Chemist: Mr. Alfred Howard, M.Sc.

Plankton Expert: Mr. Marr. Meteorologist: Mr. H. G. Simmers (New Zealand). Survey Officer: .Instructor-Commands? H. Moyes. Echo-soundmg and Wireless Expert * Petty-officer Williams (appointed in England).

Official Photographer and Cinemato. grnnhev: Mr. Frank Hnrley. Pilot: Pilot S. Campbell, of H.M.A.BL Albatross, seconded to the expedition by the Australian Air Force.

Sir George said the selection of a second pilot would be made shortly, and if it was possible to find the necessary accommodation, another physicist would ba added to the party. The Discovery, which has been secured to convey the expedition to the Antarctic, is under the command of Captain J. K. Davis. The vessel is expected to reach Capetown about the end of October, when Sir Douglas Mawson will join her. From Capetown the Discovery will proceed direct to the Antarctic, and after spending the season there will be due a* Hohart. Tasmania, next March. The snip will be based on Hohart nntH it r®* turns to the Antarctic the following season.