LONELY VIGIL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21763, 31 March 1934, Page 12

LONELY VIGIL

byrd in Antarctic WINTER NIGHT AT BASE i NEW YORK. March 28

The latest wireless message from the Bvrd Expedition in Little America, Antarctica, states: —

Rear-Admiral Byrd will be the sole occupant of the expedition's winter advance base on the Ross Icc Barrier. 123 miles south of here. It is his decision to spend the "winter night there alone, in a one-room shack. Admiral Byrd flew to the winter base last Thursday and has since been directing ajid settling up. It is unlikelv that he will return before the end of October. Excessive temperature, the winter /light darkness, sudden storms, and the hazards of navigating crevasses along the trail, would make his interim return or relief expeditions to him formidable undertakings. The leader has been coached in radio communication and meteorological observations, and will operate the instruments for both. However, lie has warned the party against feeling concern if he fails to communicate. " I am no radio • perator," said Admiral Byrd, "so tho radio probably will fail. I hope no one will make anything 1 of what I am about to do. I am doing it because I am anxious to do it, and I am making no sacrifice of any kind whatever." The explorer will be amply provided with food and fuel, so long as he uses these economically. The shack is warm and is as nearly fireproof as human ingenuity could make it. Dr.. Poulter, senior scientist, will command the 55 men in Little America, during the absence of Admiral Byrd. / ■ '