WHALING RESEARCH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19529, 11 July 1925, Page 17

WHALING RESEARCH.

THE DISCOVERY EXPEDITION. CFbom Odb Own Correspondent.) LONDON, June 2. The late Captain Scott’s Polar expedition ship, Discovery, has been practically reconstructed for whaling research and scientific survey in the Falkland Islands region, and she has been transferred to Portsmouth Dockyard to undergo her trials. It is expected that she will be ready to leave for her new work on June 17. Mrs L. S. Amery cut the ribbon at the ceremony of taking the vessel out of dry dock, and among those present were Mr B. It. Daruley (of the Colonial Office), Sir Sidney and Lady Harmer, Sir J. and Lady Porteaoue-Plaiinery, Sir William Smith, Admiral R. W. Glennie, Engineer-Admiral K. W. Skelton, Rear-Admiral B. S. Thesiger, Mr W. Watts, Mr I. O. Borley (of the Board of Agriculture), Mr H. Horsburgh, Dr Stanley 1 W. Kemp (director of research in connection with the expedition), and Lieutenant-com-mander J. B. Stenhouse (in command of tho vessel). Mr Darnley, at the luncheon given in connection with the ceremony, described the new enterprise as the first serious attempt to put the industry ox whaling on a scientific Sir J. Portescue-Flannery (consulting en gineer for the vessel’s reconstruction), said that tho .Discovery had already proved that she was splendidly suited for the purpose. It was known to many scientists that the over-fishing of whales in the Northern Seas had nearly exterminated them. To prevent such a calamity in tho Southern Seas the Colonial Office had deemed it its duty to Bfee that proper investigations were made and suitable regulations established and enforced. It was for that purpose tho Discovery expedition was being sent out, though incidentally it would do a great deal of charting and hydrography. The difficulties of reconditioning the Discovery had been extraordinary, because tho art of wooden shipbuilding had almost died out in this country. It hod been very hard to get an ample supply of materials and of skilled labour. Mr Watts explained that the task of getting men who could do the work of wooden shipbuilding had at oiie time been a very grave matter; the trouble was partly overcome by specially training their own em ployees. Lieutenant-Commander J. K. Stennouso ©xpressed the hope that within 12 months the members of the expedition would bo able to show something concrete for all -the work, thought, and expenditure put into tho enterprise. Oceanography, meteorology, and other sciences will also be studied. The Discovery is expected to reach South Georgia in time for the opening of tho whaling season in October. A marine station has already been established at Grytviken, South Georgia, and of this Mr N. A. Mackintosh is in charge. A wireless plant js also being erected there. The medical officer will be LieutenantColonel E. H. Marshall. 1 The Discovery’s hull has been put back into much tho eame condition as it was when Captain Scot had the ship. To renew her three masts, and give the spars additional length, Oregon pine had to be brought from tho South Pacific. The Discovery’s engines have been practically rebuilt; tho sail plan has been revised (giving her square rig on mainsail and .forecast), and she will ho an auxiliary barque. Scientists’ laboratories are placed on and between decks. It is expected'that the Discovery will be handed over for trials at (he end of the month, and leave upon her voyage early in Juno.