SOUTH POLAR FLIGHT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22775, 8 July 1937, Page 11

SOUTH POLAR FLIGHT

MR. ELLSWORTH'S PLANS REFITTING OF WYATT EARP , , .. LOXDOX. ,Tune 30 Mr. Lincoln Ellsworth, wealthy 56-year-old explorer, is completing the final details of a new • aeroplane in which he plans a 2000-mile flight over the South Pole. His proposed lioute is from Enderby Land to Ross Set. Mr. Ellsworth, who recently said, " I will not grow old while I keep on exploring," is at present in Switzerland examining new scientific instruments. His wife, who is in London, told the Daily Telegraph that Mr. Ellsworth plans to follow the return route of Scott.

The supply ship Wyatt Earp—named after one of America's most colourful marshals, who established order in lawless towns such as Tombstone, Arizona, in the roaring days—is being refitted at Berzen, Norway. The Wyatt Earp will take on board two years' stores. : Mr. Ellsworth's previous polar experience will largely influence the design of the aeroplane, which will be built in the United States'. After exhausti%*e tests it will be shipped to Capetown, from which point the expedition plans to begin in August. Mrs. Ellsworth will travel to Capetown with her husband and will remain there during the expedition; She will not be lonely, she says, as she will be in constant radio touch with the party. Before the actual polar flight, Mr. Ellsworth plans a series of 400 to 500mile flights over Enderby Land, the interior of which has not yet been seen by man. Whether he will try to land at the South Pole depends on the weather. During the flight the aeroplane will maintain an average height of 10,000 ft.

Mr. Ellsworth trill return to London in October to receive the Royal Geographical Society's gold medal, for previous explorations..