ACROSS THE POLE TO NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12602, 12 November 1926, Page 7

ACROSS THE POLE TO NEW ZEALAND

DARING FLIGHT PLANNED BV ARGENTINE AIRMEN STARTING NEXT MONTH PAULY, THE LEADER, SAYS CHRISTCHURCH MAY BE THE GOAL What Amundsen accomplished in the North in an airship, Senor Pauly, of Argentina, will attempt in the South with a seaplane. If successful, the ’plane may come on to New Zealand.

By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received November 11, 10.40 p.m.) BUENOS AIRES, November 10. The Argentian South Pole expedition, which plans to fly from Grahamland, ‘2BOO miles across the Antarctic, is scheduled to depart on November loth. The first leg of its long journey will be by transport to Tierra del Euego, thence by whaler to Grahamland, where it will establish a base for a seaplane. The actual dash across the South Pole will* according to the plan, take place between December 15th and 30th, during the Antarctic midsummer* when continual daylight prevails. The actual location of the base will depend upon the weather and ice conditions. If these are favourable, the ’plane will be assembled and tested, and two experimental flights will be undertaken, one eastward and tbe oth* er westward, in order to determine tbe limits or the barrier ice, as well as to decide the point of penetration for the establishment of two projected intermediary supply bases between ifiie main base and the South Pole. The 'plane will have two Dornier-

Wal engines, with a combined horsepower of 950. It will be provided with sledge runners, and be capable of carrying 2700 kilogrammes Of gasoline, although it is believed that 3000 kilogrammes will possibly be loaded. Senor Antonious Pauly is the leader of the expedition, and will be the observer, while the pilot ts Major Pedro Zanni, who flew from Amsterdam to Tokio recently. They will also carry a mechanic. They have the latest instruments, particularly those carried by Captain Raold Amundsen on his North Pole flight—a bubble sextant, and a plumbstead sun compass. Senor Pauly said: “If the ’plane is in a condition to carry on, we will possibly try to fly across tbe Pole to Tasmania or New Zealand, but at all events either Melbourne or Christchurch will be the terminus if the expedition is successful." The aviators will take ship from the terminus back to Buenos Aires. It is Understood the Australian Government will assist the flight by providing patrol ships to watch for signals. The cost of the trip is being defrayed by the Geographical Institute of Argentina, supplemented by private donations.