BYRD EXPEDITION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22519, 13 March 1935, Page 5

BYRD EXPEDITION

DEPARTURE FOR AMERICA SHIPS SAILING TO-DAY After several delays during which the thoughts of the vessels' crews have be<-n turned towards home, the Byrd Antarctic Expedition ships, the Jacob Ruppert and the Bear of Oakland, will leave on their homeward journey to America to-day. The sailing time is fixed for 10.30 a.m. Final preparations for the departure of the vessels have been completed. Yesterday morning the launch Edsel Ford, which was left behind when the expedition sailed for Little America, was hoisted aboard the Jacob Ruppert. The launch broke its sternpost some weeks ago while going down the harbour to meet the Jacob Ruppert, but repairs have now been effected. The two vessels will proceed together to Easter Island, where coal will be taken aboard the Bear of Oakland from the other ship, and they will then sail independently as far as Panama ilie final stage of the trip to New York will be made in company. . The captains of both ships have received an intimation that the vessels will be searched for liquor immediately on arrival. The repeal of prohibition in the United States has not made it legal for foreign liquor to be landed in the country, and drastic penalties will result if it is brought ashore. Any man attempting to smuggle liquor trom the ships will lay hifiiseif open to a Heavy fine and possibly a term of imprisonment. ADMIRAL BYRD'S MESSAGE EXPRESSIONS GF APPRECIATION. Admiral Byrd last evening issued the following message for publication: — On the eve of the departure of the Second Byrd Antarctic Expedition from Dunedin I wish to express my sincere appreciation to all of those who showed hospitality and courtesies to my men. I wish particularly to express m.V gratitude to Hf L Tapley and Co.. and to-Mr James Duncan, its manager, who has done inestimable things for us. I also want to thank the Otago Harbour Board most sincerely for its helpfulness and kindness. They have helped us to a most unusual degree. Mr Arthur Paape has been hospitality itself and I will never forget his courtesy and_ kindness. I have been greatly impressed with the accuracy of the newspapers. I have spent much o"f my time travelling over the world and I have never eneotinternd a higher standard than I have found here.