FOR THE ANTARCTIC

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22371, 19 September 1934, Page 4

FOR THE ANTARCTIC

WYATT EARP TO SAIL TO-DAY

The expedition ship Wyatt Earp, carrying the well-known explorer, Mr Lincoln Ellsworth, will leave Dunedin at 10 a.m. to-day for the Antarctic regions. Her destination will be Deception Island, and under favourable conditions the ship should reach the island in about 35 days. , On arrival preparations will be immediately made for the long flight to the Bay of Whales. It may be necessary to use pontoons for the aeroplane Polar Star to take off. from the water, and the harbour pleasure launch Verona has been purchased by the expedition to assist in this undertaking. The launch has been stowed and lashed on the foredeck of the Wyatt Earp, and also securely fastened on deck is a large supply of aeroplane gasolene in drums, and several extra spars. The ship is ready for sea and carries sufficient supplies and material to meet any contingency that may, arise. Captain B. Holth stated yesterday that with any luck at all the Wyatt Earp should return to Dunedin some time in January. It would all depend on the weather conditions and the state of the ice met with in the southern regions. Speaking on behalf of himself and his crew, Captain Holth said he wished to thank all their friends in Dunedin and elsewhere for their friendship and hospitality during their long stay at this port. They all hoped to renew the friendships on their return from the ice barrier.

One man has been added to the Wyatt Earp’s crew. Tjiis is Mr A. S. Duthie, of Dunedin, who has joined as an able seaman.

Mr Ellsworth called on the chairman of the Harbour Board ,{Mr H. C. Campbell) yesterday and expressed his appreciation of the assistance given by the board during the" stay of the expedition ship at Dunedin. At the last meeting of the Harbour Board, it was decided to forward a letter to Mr Ellsworth conveying the board’s good wishes for the success of the expedition.