ECLIPSE EXPEDITION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22741, 29 May 1937, Page 13

ECLIPSE EXPEDITION

NEW ZEALAND SCIENTISTS DESTINATION REACHED (Received May 28, 11.15 p.m.) SYDNEY. May 28 A radio message received from the Dominion §loop Wellington, which carried the party of New Zealand scientists to the Phoenix Islands to observe the total eclipse of the sun early next month, stated: "We arrived at Cailton Island at 2 p.m. The American expedition ship Avocet was at her anchorage near the passage in the reef and the Wellington anchored close by, "After courtesy calls, it was too late for the expedition to disembark, so landing operations will bo started at daybreak to-morrow." A further message to hand to-day states: "The party, with the equipment, went ashore this morning, assisted by the sailors. A camp was erected alongside the American camp. The area is bare coral with sparse vegetation and scattered coconuts. Frigate birds and fledgelings are within a chain of the camp. "The National Geographic Society's flag is flying over the American camp and the New Zealand ensign over our camp. The tanks left by the warship Leith contained a small quantity of water.

"The Americans first attempted to land On Enderbury Island, but found it impossible as there was no anchorage. "Ashore on Canton Island are eight astronomers, four technicians, and 13 naval ratings. There is a large camp, a power plant and radio for sending and receiving. Also there is a refrigerator and a developing room, cooled by instruments electrically driven. All have been erected, but not adjusted."