SIR GEORGE WILKINS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20451, 4 July 1928, Page 7

SIR GEORGE WILKINS.

WELCOME IN NEW YORK. THANKS TO AMERICAN PEOPLE. (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) NEW YORK. July 2. Sir George Wilkins and Lieutenant Eielson have arrived. They were met by the Mayors Reception Committee, which took the flyers from the liner Stavangerford in the city tug. They then proceeded to the City Hall, where they were greeted by the Acting Mayor (Mr MiKee). In response to the greeting. Sir George Wilkins said: “ I can never express my gratitude to the American people for the splendid co-operation they gave us. It was one of the greatest privileges of my life to carry the Stars and Stripes to the Arctic, and I appreciate the confidence which the United States placed in me. Perhaps the greatest scientific achievement of our expedition was the data we gathered on seasonal forecasting. In that work we were helped immeasurably by information supplied us by Commander Byrd.” Lieutenant Eielson made a brief speech, after which Mr William MacCrackeu (Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Aviation) told the flyers that they had helped to promote international goodwill. It was a demonstration that men of different nationalities could work in harmony on scientific projects. The acting Australian Commissioner (Mr Dow) also spoke briefly. Sir George Wilkins will spend a week here perfecting his plans for his Antarctic expedition, after which he will leave Lieutenant Eielson in charge of the work here and proceed on an air tour of the United States.—Australian Press Association.

FLIGHT TO THE ANTARCTIC,

NO SPIRIT OF COMPETITION

NEW YORK, July 2. (Received July 3, at 9 p.m.) Sir George Wilkins, in discussing the Antarctic flight, said that the purpose was to explore ttie south side of the Pacific with a view to establishing 12 meteorological stations, whereby the weather could be forecasted a month in advance. He dismissed the idea that he was competing with Commander Byrd, and pointed out that the latter contemplates flying to the Pole from his base*, whereas Sir George plans to do all his actual work during one 24-hour flight, and without approaching within 800 miles of the Pole.—-Australian Press Association.