HOMEWARD BOUND

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22520, 14 March 1935, Page 15

HOMEWARD BOUND

BYRD EXPEDITION SHIPS DEPARTURE FROM DUNEDIN Nearly a month after fheir return from the Antarctic, the Byrd expedition ships Jacob Ruppert and Bear of Oakland left Dunedin yesterday morning on the final phase of the expedition’s activities—the homeward journey. The joy of the men at the prospect of once more seeing their families and friends in America was unmistakable, and their eagerness to start the voyage was tempered only by the necessity for bidding farewell to the many friends they had made during the ship’s stay in Dunedin.

There was a crowd numbering upwards of 1000 on the Rattray street wharf when the vessels departed, and as the Jacob Ruppert swung out from her moorings a cheer was given for those who had successfully braved the perils of the far south.

The time of departure was announced for 10.30 a.m. and at that hour preparations were almost complete. It was not until nearly 11 o’clock, however, that all the visitors were ashore, and 10 minutes later the Jacob Ruppert cast off, and, dipping her ensign, swung out into the channel. The Bear of Oakland followed, attended by the tug Dunedin, three-quarters of an hour later. Admiral Byrd paid a final visit to the ships just before they sailed, to bid farewell to the men who had accompanied him and assisted in the success of his project. He later left by the through express for the north, and will probably join the Rangitiki at Wellington. It is his intention to rejoin the expedition ships at Panama, and complete the journey to New York on the Jacob Ruppert. Dr T. C. Poulter arid Mrs Poulter, accompanied by the former’s three children, were among those who sailed by the Jacob Ruppert. The expedition should reach New York at the end of April or early in May. It is not difficult to imagine, when the Statue of Liberty at last appears in sight, with what joy the men will be able to write “ journey’s end ” to a great adventure.