RECEPTION TO COMMANDER BYRD.

Otago Witness, Issue 3899, 4 December 1928, Page 25

RECEPTION TO COMMANDER BYRD.

HARBOUR BOARD FUNCTION. There was no room to spare in the Otago Harbour Board's board room on Wednesday afternoon when a reception was tendered by that body to Commander Richard E. Byrd and other members of his Antarctic Expedition. The chairman of the board " (Mr H. E. Moller) ’ presided. There were also present representatives of the municipal authorities, the local members of Parliament, ex-chairmen and memoers of the board, and other representative citizens. Commander Byrd was accompanied by Mr R. G. Brophy, second in command and business manager, Captain Melville, master of the City of New York, Captain Gustav Brown, master if the Eleanor Boling, and Chief Yeoman Lofgren (private secretary and personnel officer). CHAIRMAN S REMARKS. After the toasts of the King and the President of the United States had been honoured, the chairman proposed the health of the leader of the expedition. Addressing Commander Byrd, he said that the bonds that had united his nation and New Zealand for many years were now unbreakable. They had been strengthened when the sons of America stood side by side with New Zealand’s sons on the fields of Flanders, nnd he ventured to think that as the years went by the Great War would prove to be an especial factor in cementing and maintaining those bonds of unity. And it was right that it should be so.— (Applause.) The present expedition was adding yet another uniting influence to the links that already existed between America find this distant part of the Empire, and since that was so he had the greatest pleasure on behalf of the Otago Harbour Board in extending to the commander and his officers a hearty aw', enthusiastic welcome to this harbour. He thought that they would agree with him when he said they had never seen a more beautiful harboar anywhere. Mr Moller said that Commander Byrd’s Arctic record was well known, and his feats in that great region had been indelibly printed on the memoribs of New Zealanders and the world at trge. He had made a name for himself that would last for all time. Therefore, Dunedin found great pleasure in welcoming him. He would like with all the earnestness and emphasis he could command to offer th" guest of the afternoon his wholehearted congratulations, and also to express a desire that was felt by everyone that the exp’orers should be successful in achieving in the soutlfern regions all tlyit

hac been accomplished in the Arctic Circle. We do not forget, sir,” he said, “ and you would not have us forget, the supermen of our own race, Sir Ernest Shackleton and Captain Scott, the master man, sum their companions. Their memory still lived within the hearts of New Zealanders, who were proud that they had planted the Union Jack at the Pole, and that figuratively it floated in th(- breeze there still. But they would be more than glad to know that tie flag of their sister nation had been planted alongside it. That was the best he could wish them in their endeavour, and he could assure them that after they had accomplished it, and when they had returned io the Otago Harbour, tho.'/ who were present that day would be the first to congratulate them.

‘ We remember,” he said, “ the Titanic struggle and experiences of Captain Scott and his companions with'the cruel elements that claimed them, and knowing what they had to contend with we wish you- favourable conditions, so that you may add the conquest of the Autarctit to your present victories. We sincerely hope that the Divine Hand may guide you and bring you and all your party back to Dunedin safe and well, having achieved greater things- than even you are hoping for to-day.” The toast was then enthusiastically honoured, after which Miss Ashton, on behalf the Harbour Board staff, presented the commander with S specially designed box of sweets, the pattern of which was a replica of the American flag. When making the presentation she said it was the earnest hope of the staff that the expedition should meet with every success and return s n fely. SIR CHARLES STATHAM.

Sir Charles Statham said he counted it a great pleasure to be present to do honour to such distinguished visitors. Commander Byrd’s fame had been spread abroad, so that he was no stranger to New Zealand people, and in view of what he had already accomplished this country was glad to welcome him. There was no doubt that at present there existed a deep feeling of friendliness and sympathy between the two countries, and he hoped it would never disappear. Such visits as that at present being made by Commander Byrd and his companions were calculated to cement that friendly feeling. He wanted to join with the chairman in welcoming their guests. He felt he could speak for Parliament and say that the members of the House of Representatives would have been glad to welcome the visitors, and he hoped that their return would be at such a time as would allow of their visiting the House while it was in session. He concluded by wishing them a safe return not only to New Zealand but also to the. country to which they belonged. New Zealanders were with them in spirit and were more than willing to give them a hearty welcome back and acclaim their success. It was a very true saying that great men belonged to no Country. ° They were of the world. So New* Zealand should welcome . them quite apart from whence they came.

A MUNICIPAL \vELCOME. Mr W. B. Taverner welcomed the visitors on behalf of the people of Dunedin, tie said history liad a habit of repeating itself. Every generation bred its spirit of adventure. No longer did men think only of conquest. They explored now to learn, not to conquer. It had been said that man did not live at all if he did not live dangerously. This could be said to be the spirit of this expedition. There were risks and dangers to be overcome, but he felt sure than the calibre of the men of the expedition was such as to over come all these. He concluded by wishing him full and complete fruition of all he was attempting, and hoped that Providence would watch over him to such happy effect that on his return he could be greeted not only as a commander but also as a conqueror. THANKS FOR HOSPITALITY. Commander Byrd, in replying, said he would first like to thank Dunedin for the fine hospitality extended to himself and his men, and he greatly wanted to thank the Harbour Board for all it had done for them. He had a big job ahead of him, and he felt that what the board had done would be of great help to him. Indeed, without it, it was very whether they could have got through in time to meet the whaler C. A. ~arsen m time to go through the ice with her. Speaking of the two flags at the Pole, which had been mentioned by the chairman, he said that Captain Scott had been one of his boyhood heroes, and Mawson was a friend of his. Therefore when they went south they were taking the British flag with them, so that if they got through to the Pole it would not be there only figuratively. It would wave side by side with the Stars and Stripes. He himself had been wanting to come to New Zealand for a long time. American people had the kindliest feeling for this country, and because everyone who spoke to him of New Zealand mentioned the country in the highest terms he had been anxious to come too. He had not been disappointed. “ I wish” said Commander Byrd, “ through the Mayor, to convey my deepest thanks to the people of Dunedin for the manner in which they have received me and my men. We have been accorded the very best of receptions and it is very gratifying.” Speaking of the movements of the expedition the leader said 7 that when the City of New York left Dunedin it would proceed to the Southern Seas, but it depended entirely on the C. A. lanrsen when they went through thfe ice 1 to the Bay of Whales. However, they

expected to get to the lee Barrier about the Bth or 10th of December, and it was possible that they would pull into the Bay of Whales about Christinas Day. They would commence their southern inarch at once. Dog tearis and a party of men would lie put ashore immediately, and a start would be made on the laying down of bases. There would be tents and supplies of food every 25 miles, with a larger depot every 100 miles. A small aeroplane would also be put ashore and flights would be made to explore the country and pick out bases. The reason why the Eleanor Boling was not making * the trip was that there was a danger that she would be caught in the ice. and, as she was a steel vessel, be crushed. The City of New York was a wooden ship with timbers 34 inches through. She could stand up to the strain better. However, the Bolling should get away for the first time in January. The two largest planes would go down by her.

The primary object of the expedition, he said, was scientific. They could not hope to set the world on fire* with what they did, but they could expect to add something to the achievements of Scott, Shackleton, and Mawson. If they could add just/ a few data they would reckon they had been successful in their job. Die dash to the Pole was only' a very secondary thing. What they wanted most to do was to fly over this great unknown territory on which no man had set foot. It was as big as Europe and Australia combined, and on the map was just a great expanse of white. We hope S c ’t detailed maps and pictures oi it tnat will be of use to the world. The speaker then said he would ask the second in command to speak. These things were decided by the amount of the preparation that was made, and Mr Brophy had fought, and won a terrific battle of preparation in New York. Before he sat down, however, he would like to remark on the fact that it was ’ the first time the expedition was present in one city as a complete unit. Before it had been scattered all over the place. It was a proud moment for him when he found ’ everything in readiness. They " ere all happy to have been in Dunedin and to make it their starting point, and he could assuie them that on their return they would come back. Nothing could keep them from Dunedin. Mr Brophy said that he would like the people of Dunedin to know that the job they were doing now could not have been done in any other port in the Dominion. They had had a good scout round, and had picked on the Otago Harbour, and he could assure them that since they had commenced work here they had realised what a judicious choice it had been. They had encountered unlimited help and co-operation, which had been of the greatest value in helping them to win their battle of preparations. The biggest job had been the raising of the necessary money, and it had been carried out almost entirely by the commander. They still had a deficit baek in New York, but fortunately New York was prepared to wait a little time for its money. The manufacturers of that city and the tradesmen had given over 500,000 dollars worth of goods and material free. For many months the expedition had been handled entirely by radio and cablegram, but now thev were all together and the work could be done easily. But one of the biggest things in helping them to get through the task in front of them was the help that had been afforded them. They were now getting all the stores and the paraphernalia divided up into shiploads, readv for the voyage, and it took a great deal of hard work and occasioned a lot of worry. Still they were getting du verv well, thanks to the Otago Harbour Board.

Mr Moller then called for three cheers for the commander and his mtn. They were given in the best style, even Commander Byrd’s little fox terrier joined in on the third cheer. When the visitors replied with three more lusty cheers the dog was in better form and took part in every’ cheer. Those present then partook of afternoon tea, and were given the opportunity of meeting the visitors.

“ SKOOKUM.” SLEDGE DOG FOR THE ANTARCTIC. AUCKLAND, November 28. “ Skookum,” a husky or sledge dog for the South Pole Exp< ition, arrived in Auckland this afternoon by (he steamer Golden Cloud and is to be shipped to Dunedin. “ Skookum ” wns left behind when the expedition sailed from America as he was taking part in the production of a film to be called “North of 68.” The husky was a great pet with the crew on the way to Auckland, and was treated as a first class passenger. “ Skookum ” is a husky who has known the trail in the Arctic, and as he is one of the best dogs in the outfit selected, the members of the expedition are keenly awaiting his arrival in the south. CIVIC RECEPTION. ' PARTY HONOURED IN DUNEDIN. The announcement that a civic reception was to be tendered to Commander R. E. Byrd and other members of his Antarctic Expedition on Thursday evening aroused a great deal of interest, nnd by 8 o’clock the City Council Chamber was almost .uncomfortably filled. QuJte a number of those present had to be content with standing room. A feature of the I was that it contained a very substantial proportion of ladies.

Several members of the expedition occupied seats in the centre of the chamber, while Commander Byrd was seated on the right of the Mayor (Mr W. B. Taverner, M.P.). The Mayor said the function had been arranged as a civic welcome to Commander Byrd, who would presently start on his Antarctic expedition, and his company of 82. He was sorry that the accommodation was so limited that manypeople could not get into the chamber. When the next Antarctic expedition left Dunedin the city would be in possession of the new Town Hall, which would accommodate 3000 or 4000 pevpje. While the gathering was in the nature of a reception, which they were extremely proud to extend, it was also in the nature of. a farewell. They felt very proud that Commander Byrd had chosen Dunedin as the port of final departure from New Zealand. Several expeditions had set out from these shores, and the people had been delighted to welcome the men attached to them and wish them God-speed in their great adventure. History had a way of repeating itself. He had just learned that on November 29, 1901, Captain Scott called on the then Mayor of Dunedin, Mr G. L. Denniston, who was unable to be present that evening owing to slight indisposition. Those who had gone to the Antarctic and had assisted in conquering that great territory were regarded as supermen and men whose memory they revered in the highest- possible sense. They would never forget the*epic story of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his fight across the storm-tossed waters to rescue men on Elephant Island. They read that with a thrill after many years when they realised that the spirit of nigh adventure to the great unknown was still in the race, and that there were still men imbued with the desire to make history. Commander Byrd was going to the Antarctic equipped with the latest inventions of modern science. The expedition was equipped with wireless, and the people would be able to getjiis reports and know how the men were faring and send them words of encouragement. Even a layman could realise the great element of uncertainty and danger which existed in such an undertaking. Cmmander Byrd had responded to the urge to face danger, and he and his companions were setting out to brave those dangers, leaving behind them all the advantages and ease of modern life to conquer the wastes of the Antarctic. During the time the expedition was away the thoughts of the people here would be with them urging them to success and hoping that their aspirations would be fulfilled. Naturally Commander Byrd was taking with him the flag of the United States—(applause)—and he hoped to plant it at the South Pole. He was also taking a Union " Jack —(applause)—as a tribute to that heroic band led by Captain Scott, who got to the Pole only to find that he had been forestalled by , a few days. When 1 Commander Byrd planted the Stars and Stripes- at the Pole, side by side with it would stand the Union Jack.— (Applause.) The speaker suggested that that was. symbolic of the union existing between the two great branches of the Anglo-Saxon race that the two flags should be taken to the uttermost parts of the earth and placed side by side in that desolate waste. It was symbolic of the union which, they hoped, would always exist between the two peoples. Mr Taverner said he wished to convey to Commander Byrd and his party the very best wishes

of this community, every member of which trusted that the expedition would be successful in every way. The citizens hoped they would overcome the dangers which they must meet. They believed that the high courage possessed by the party xt’ould assist them to overcome the high mountains at the South Pole, and the blizzards that would be encountered. “We hope you will succeed and come back,” said Mr Taverner, “and we ask you to make Dunedin your first port of eall in civilisation. On behalf of the Anglo- . Saxon race and on behalf of your own people we shall extend to you a right royal welcome.”—(Applause?) Sir Charles Statham, M.P., said he was pleased to be present as one of the citizens and as a member of Parliament to extend a welcome to the visitors and wish them good luck. He was sure that the citizens would give their utmost approval to anything the Harbour Board could do for the members of the expedition.—(Applause.) There was no red tape about the ’ business, every facility being given to the party to make their preparations, lie hoped that not only would the local authorities but that the Government as well would extend every facility possible to their distinguished guests. —(Applause.) His mind went back' to the events of about a century and a-half ago, when there were misunderstandings between the British and the Americans. He believed those misunderstandings had been dissipated by time, and to-day the people enjoyed the very freedom fo r which the Americans fought. Now there was was a very friendly feeling between the British Empire and the United States.—(Applause.) While he believed that the United States stood for peace, he believed that unitedly the British and Americans could do a tremendous amount to promote the peace of the whole world. There had been a great deal of preparan for this great adventure, and he believed the party was well prepared for the undertaking, but there was one element that must back it up, and that was >— pluck and endurance. He ventured to say that these men would carry to the South Pole the very best pluck and endurance the world had ever known.—• (Applause.) He felt sure the people were only wishing the party au revoir, and ho believed they would see the explorers again ' in March, 1930. He was glad that they were going to make Dunedin their first port of call, arid he knew they would receive a warm-hearted welcome when the time came.—(Applause.) Commander Byrd's action in taking the Stars and Stripes and the Union Jack with him would be appreciated throughout the whole Empire. In bidding Commander Byrd and his gallant men au revoir ho could say that the Dunedin people would « think much about them very often, their prayers would follow them, and if tho men returned to Dunedin the citizens • would be just as proud of them as if they belonged to our nation. Sometimes people had said: “ What is the good of these expeditions? ” Probably from a scientific point of view there was great benefit to bo derived for the world at large. Though Captain Scott and other men had given up their lives he hoped their guests that evening would not do that. He believed that expeditions of this kiud enriched the whole world. “We wish them good luck,” said Sir Charles, “ and I look forward to joining in giving them a hearty welcome back iu this fair Britain of the South in March, 1930.” — (Applause.) Mr G. M. Thomson, M.L.C., said he felt it a great honour to be present not only as a citizen, but. specially did he esteem it an honour as a representative of

tend a welcome to the party and to ex*the scientific men of this country, to express appreciation of the splendid services the men were going to render to ..science and hurfianity. He would prefer to refer to some points which appealed to him as a scientific man, and which, he thought, should be emphasised. From the day when Sir James Ross went south and opened up the .area known as the Ross Sea down to the latest expedition under Sir Douglas Mawson there was one great lesson to be learned, and he was sure that Commander Byrd and his associates had learned it. They had learned what to do and what to avoid. Since the time when Sir James Ross laid the foundations of the Antarctic Continent the expeditions had been increasingly scientific and useful. Gaining knowledge every time, Commander Byrd knew what to avoid and what to do. Perhaps still more important were the remarkable achievements in aviation. Commander Byrd was by no means a tyro in this department. He had crossed the Atlantic, and had gone to the North Pole, but there was a vast difference between the North Pole and the South Pole. At the North-Pole he was never very far from land, and was never in the midst of the storms and blizzards which occurred at the South Pole. On this occasion he was entering an almost unknown land. It was a continent half as large again as the whole of Australia, and yet we knew almost nothing about it. It had been traversed only two or three times. A remarkable feature of this expedition and one for which they should be very thankful, was that it had the most perfect equipment and band of men that had ever gone into the Arctic or Antarctic.— (Applause.) Commander Byrd had with him men who had faced the northern ices and cold, and he haA a body of picked men. The object lesson which our young people, who seemed to live for pleasure, should gather frpm this expedition was that it comprised a body of men who devoted themselves in a spirit of self-sacrifice to this splendid work for the purpose of bringing greater knowledge to the world at large. He believed that science would profit very largely. Probably from a commercial point of view they would not benefit very much, but from a scientific point of view the gain would be enormous. He supposed the greatest gains would be in connection with meteorology and geographical, knowledge, but every branch of science that could be touched would be worked up by the expedition. There was a tremendous interest in the Antarctic. Scientific men wanted to know how it was there were coalfields down there. At one time the Antarctic had a warm climate, and was covered with vegetation. This expedition" more than any other that had ever gone to the South or. North Pole would come back with a wealth of knowledge that would be most valuable to future workers in this direction. He joined with the others in expressing hearty appreciation of the work of Commander Byrd and his colleagues, and he did so with a great deal of pride inasmuch as they had chosen Dunedin as their starting point. The party carried with them the good wishes of the whole of the people of New Zealand and of the whole of the people of the sccintific world. Flight-Lieutenant Ross Hughes, of the Otago Aero Club, said it gave him very great pleasure on behalf of the club to extend to Commander Byrd and his staff greetings from the club. It was not often that, they had in their midst men of such fame. He had followed with interest the doings of Commander Byrd in his flights across the Atlantic and to the North Pole, and that interest had been greatly stimulated by his presence here. They would follow even with greater interest his doings in the great white south, especially those of the aerial section. They trusted that Commander Byrd would be able from time to time to send back reports that would be of interest to members of the Aero Club and that would maintain the personal touch between them. The club hoped that when he returned it would be able to offer him facilities to bring at least one of his machines ashore and that he would be able to leave it behind as a tangible souvenir of the trip. —(Laughter and applause.) On behalf of

the club he extended to Commander Byrd and his distinguished company the heartiest good wishes and good luck for a successful conclusion to the great adventure they were undertaking. He assured them that at no time would public interest in their doings be lost. “We feel thy are out to win,” said the speaker, “ and they have us in spirit with them all the time.”—(Applause.) Commander Byrd, who was received with cheers when he rose to reply, said this was an occasion for saying au revoir, but not good-bye, because he had accepted the Mayor’s invitation to come back here . on the return of the expedition. On behalf of his shipmates and himself he wished to thank them for this wonderful reception. They certainly appreciated it. * They could not expect a flyer to be a good talker. The only one he had met who was a good talker was Flight-Lieu-tenant Hughes. After relating a few humorous stories relating to his aviation experiences, Commander Byrd said he wanted to take this opportunity of congratulating the Mayor on his election to Parliament and of wishing him every, success. —(Applause ) He also wished to read a communication which he had received from the Prime Minister just before he entered the hall. It read as follows: — “ On tiie eve of the departure of your expedition for the Antarctic. I desire, on behalf of the Government and the people of New Zealand to extend to yourself, your officers, and the other members of the expedition our cordial good wishes for the

success of the undertaking. JVe sincerely trust all will go well with you and your party, and that as a result of your expedition and research work science will be greatly enriched. New Zealand will gladly render you every assistance in its power should the occasion, arise.” That, said .Commander Byrl, was typical of the receptions they had received on all sides from the people of New Zealand from the highest to the lowest. The people had given them the ‘very best in the way of courtesy and hospitality, and he was sure it was reciprocated by the country which be represented. In the United States hundreds of people had expressed a high regard for the people ot New Zealand. He was sure they had here a model country, and he and his companions were happy and proud to make their departure from here. He could sympathise with Flight-Lieutenant Hughes in his effort to get his landing field going. Hd was in the same fix himself many times in the United States. Having the field here when they came back they would at least fly one of their planes from it.— (Laughter and applause.) He appreciated what Sir Charles Statnam had said about the friendship between Great Britain and the United States. He considered that aviation was more an instrument of peace than of war, and he believed that in the future it would bring the nations of the world closer together, because it brought them closer together in distance, and he believed that knowledge lessened criticism. He appreciated what Mr Thomson had said about the scientific aspects of the expedition. The primary object was scientific. They were going down simply for science. They would not be warranted in making the venture simply for an aeroplane dash. He would like to say that the real pioneers and pathfinders in the Antarctic were Captain Scott, Sir Ernest Shackleton, and Sir Douglas Mawson, and all the present expeditipn could do was to follow along where they left off and add a little to what they did. They had done real scientific work, and all his party hoped to do was to add some d»<ails. The success of the expedition depended on the men in it, and what they did depended on those splendid fellows sitting with . him. — (Applause.) If they were successful in ■' their mission the Union Jack would be floating alongside the American flag and the flag of New Zealand, because they were going to take the New Zealand flag also.— (Applause.) In conclusion, Commander Byrd wished them au reVoir, but not good-bye.— (Applause.) Chief Yoeman Lofrgren stated that in all there were about 0000 applications from young men who wanted to go with the expedition, and from them the commander had selected 80 odd men. The party was first planned to number about 35, but another ship had to be obtained on account of the great amount of material to be taken down. The welcome they had received in Wellington was such as to make them have a warm spot in their hearts for the people of New Zealand. In both Wellington and Lyttelton he had been asked by many citizens why they had selected Dunedin as their final port of departure. — (Laughter.) He was rather hard put to answer the question, but the receptions they had had since they landed here should be a good answer. The speaker created a good deal of amusement by his references to applications by women to accompany polar expeditions. He said that many women had applied to go down to the Antarctic.-— (Laughter.) The figures showed that for every 100 men who wanted to go to the North Pole there was one woman applicant. On the transatlantic flight there were 10 women applicants to every man, but apparently the Antarctic had got them “ buffaloed,” because for every 200 men who wanted to go there was only one application from a woman.— (Laughter.) The oldest man in this expedition was a veteran of Captain Amundsen’s South Pole Expedition.—(Applause.) He had already passed the age of 65 years. The ages tapered down to 18 years, and the average was 33 years. The navy held the upper hand in this expedition. The captains of the two ships were officers in the naval reserve. Twenty-five out of the 80 men had seen service in the United States Navy ana Marine Board,compared with 11 in the army, and 12 had army service in the Great European War. Sixty per cent, of the members of the expedition had had military or naval training. Seventeen members of this expedition were'vetertans of Captain Bryd’s North Pole flight. Re--ferring to popularity, the speaker said that the most popular were the aviators. The women simply fell for them. “ I suppose,” said the speaker humorously, “ They will throw brickbats at me in the morning.” The speaker concluded by stating that when they got back from the Antarctic they certainly hoped to meet the people of Dunedin again.— (Applause.) “On behalf of the citizens,” said the Mayor, “we hope an over-ruling Providence will be with you, and bring you back safely.”

The proceedings were brought to a conclusion with the singing of the National Anthem. The visitors were subsequently entertained by the Mavor in Tudor Hall.