AT CANTON ISLAND

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23203, 29 May 1937, Page 13

AT CANTON ISLAND

NEW ZEALAND EXPEDITION OBSERVING ECLIPSE OF SUN (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) SYDNEY, May 27. A radio message from the warship Wellington stated: "Arrived at Canton Island at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. The Avocet is at anchorago near a passage in the reef. The Wellington anchored close to the Avocet. After courtesy calls it was too late for the expedition to disembark. Landing operations will be commenced at daybreak."—(Signed) Michie.

A CAMP' ERECTED * SYDNEY, May 28. (Received May 29, at 0.45 a.m.) A radio from the warship Wellington states: "The party and the equipment were landed this morning. Assisted by sailors, a camp was erected alongside the American camp. There is sparse vegetation and scattered coconut trees on the island, while frigate birds and ' boobies' are nesting . within a chain of the camp. The National Geographic Society's flag is flown at the American camp, and the New Zealand ensign, at our camp, Tanks left by the warship Leith contained a small quantity of water. The Americans first attempted to land at Enderbury, but found it impossible, as there is no anchorage. At Canton they have eight astronomers, four technicians and 13 naval ratings, in a large camp, with power plant, radio to send and receive, a refrigerator, a developing room, and instruments electrically driven.. All have been erected, but not adjusted."