TRIBUTES TO EXPLORER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20536, 10 April 1930, Page 10

TRIBUTES TO EXPLORER.

LUNCHEON AT WELLINGTON.

FLAG CARRIED OVER POLE.

[BY TELEGRATO. —PRESS ASSOCIATION. ] WELLINGTON, Wednesday.

A New Zealand flag carried by RearAdmiral Byrd on his flight over the South Pole was returned to tho Government by the explorer at a Ministerial luncheon accorded him to-day. "We carried with us across the South Polo the flag of New Zealand, and I now wish to return it to the Government," said Admiral* Byrd in handing it to the Hon! G. W. Forbes. The combination of the American and New Zealand flags in tho table decoration scheme was noted by the admiral. " I have been looking," ho said, " at the two flags together on the fable, ours and yours. That is how they should be. As far as civilisation and humanity are concerned we have tho same common interests. I take this opportunity of heartily reciprocating the sentiments of goodwill which have been expressed." Admiral Byrd had nothing to say of his achievements. Ho said ho preferred to bo regarded as one of tho party, sharing equally with the others what praise was bestowed. Ho referred to Scott and Shackleton. " Our job was nothing compared with theirs," ho said. " They were tho pathfinders, tho real pioneers." After the toasts of the King and the President of tho United States had been honoured, Mr. Forbes proposed that of Admiral Byrd. "We welcome you," said the Minister, " as a representative of tho United States, and as an officer of its Navy. Wo realise how much our countries havo in common." New Zealand had been closely associated with Antarctic expeditions, and it had nothing but admiration for tho work tho Byrd expedition had accomplished. Tho Minister asked Admiral Byrd on his return to America to act as an unofficial ambassador for Now Zealand, and to convey to tho president and the people of the United States New Zealand's bestwishes for their future prosperity. I