DEEP-SEA SOUNDINGS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7849, 11 July 1911, Page 1

DEEP-SEA SOUNDINGS

TERRA NOVA’S MISSION LIEUTENANT PENNELL. R.N., EXPLAINS lIIS PLANS. BPXCIAL TO THE “ TIMES.” CHRISTCHURCH, July 10. Lieutenant H* L. L Pennell, R.N., commanding officer of tho Terra Nova, has explained something of the nature and scone of the work to be done by the ship oil the North Cano. Ho stated that a series of soundings, as complete and accurate as possible, were to be made by the Terra Nova between the Throe Kings and Cape Maria Van Diemen in order to properly chart tho 100-fathom line. Ho explained that for navigators ap, preaching the northern end of Now Zealand from the westward, and making a land fall in thick weather when tho land was obscured and when the sun was not visible for tho getting of sights, it was of tho utmost importance that they should be able to accurately determine their position by means of soundings. For example, the English Channel had been so completely and accurately plotted by soundings that navigators were able to take their ships through in thick weather confidently, determining their positions by means of tho deep sea sounding machines. The Admiralty chart of the northern portion of New Zealand and the surrounding seas showed a series of soundings along tho coast-lino and between tho Three Kings and Cape Maria Fan Diemen, and also extending seawards in various directions. Lieutenant Pennell stated that for the purposes of the Terra Nova’s work a largo scale chart of 8 inches to tho mile had been plotted from tho Three Kings to the New Zealand coast, partly from the geodetic survey and partly from naval information. The Terra Nova will work on lines at a right angle to the approximate direction of tho 100-fathom lino, and if the -work is completed she will have sounded thoroughly and accurately over an area of five miles wide and about forty miles in length. When the Terra Nova reaches tho of her work, a largo “buoy,” consisting of a number of casks surmounted by a mast, will bo placed in about 70 fathoms, and will be moored in position by moans of a kedge anchor and a hawser 113 fathoms in length. ■ The position of tho buoy will bo fixed bv bearings and the poles of tho Three Kings and tho mainland, and also by astronomical observations. The distance between Three Kings and Capo Maria Van. Diemen is roughly thirty miles, and. in 'ordinarily clear weather the buoy-iill visible from the ship at between the Three Kings and tho mainland. The chronometers on board tho Terra Nova have been carefully rated by her officers, and when the vessel reaches North Cape this week further artificial horizon sights will bo taken to get the error of the chronometers, after which she will proceed with tho laving of tho buoy midway between tho Three Kings and Capo Maria Van Diemen. The Terra Nova will probably anchor near North Capo Sunday, when tho chronometers will again receive attention. Mr D* C. Leslie, biologist to tho expedition, will accompany the Terra Nova during tho cruise with the object of securing specimens of deep-sea fauna. As it is unlikely that the vessel will call at any ports during her cruise, all the stores and supplies for the three months have been shipped at Lyttelton,- The Terra Nova will call at Mangonui at intervals during her cruise, to receive and dispatch mails, etc.