WILKINS' EXPEDITION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20959, 24 August 1931, Page 8

WILKINS' EXPEDITION.

The Nautilus, Sir Hubert Wilkins' submarine, leftSpitzbergen on Tuesday last for the venture he announced in March of 1929. That long period is not to be deemed delay. So unique an enterprise as passing across the North Po.le beneath the ice could not be essayed without a great deal of preparation. At the announcement of his idea many stood aghast, and the natural scepticism about the feasibility of his plan had to be overcome sufficiently for the procuring of a suitable craft aud efficient crew. That these initial difficulties have been overcome is proof that he has been aide to inspire others with confidence. But many remain unconvinced that the attempt can succeed. The naval submarine experts of the United States have been outspoken against it. Even Stefansson, who had earlier suggested such an under-sea voyage, was admittedly fearful of disaster. "Of course it pleases me very much that he should think of adopting my idea," said Stefansson when Sir Hubert made his first announcement, " but I am also worried because it would be a very dangerous enterprise." Yet Stefansson, at the same time, said that ten or twenty years later a submarine voyage of that nature would be a commonplace thing without danger. He acknowledged the possibility of blasting a way upward through the ice should the submarine not be able to complete the under-sea voyage, but he still held that the time was not ripe for the venture. As Sir Hubert has said that a month may be occupied in traversing the estimated distance, judgment on the wisdom of the venture must for some time be suspended.