ANXIOUS TIME.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16975, 5 March 1926, Page 4

ANXIOUS TIME.

WHALING IN BOSS SEA BOATS CAUGHT IX ICE.

A SUCCESSFUL TRIP

(Per Press Association.)

IXVERCAKG.ILL, last night

The remainder of the Ross Sea whaling fleet reached Patcrson 's Inlet, Stewart Island, on Tuesday. "In all my experience," said Captain Xilsen, "I have never had to contend with such conditions as were met with during the 3S days that we were forced to spend in the ice. Altogether we had to light our way through -150 miles of it, and consequently Jur ships have suffered somewhat. Still, lam thankful to say that the damage is not so bad as was first anticipated. It is bad enough and will necessitate the wholo of the chasers being sent to Port Chalmers for overhaul and repair, instead of them being attended to at our own slipway in Price's Bay. At times it was necessary for us to go back and release one of the Star* boats when she was held in the ice, and at other times Star I. had to come to the assistaneo of the big ship, and break the ice away, so that she could move ahead. It was a constant source of anxiety to all of us, and the crunching ice many times threatened serious trouble.

"On one occasion Star I. had a very narrow escape as a sudden movement of the ico threatened to engulf her, Many of us, even now. do not quite know how she escaped. The other small boats also received severe handlings and the continual pressure of ico has caused a good deal of strain to the framework. A little more pressure and they might have been stove in." , EXPECTATIONS EXCEEDED. Referring to the results of the trip, Captain Nilsen stated they had exceeded their expectations, more especially after the serious delay that had occurred through the fleet being held up in the ice pack. The solidity of the pack, however, had its compensations, because it meant smoother water in Ross Sea, which previously had shown the whalers that it could be "angry" when it liked. Fine weather, comparatively smooth seas, and an almost entire, absence of wind enabled work to be carried out under the best conditions, and were mainly responsible for the catch being such a good one after the set-back. Asked whether he thought the whaling grounds were becoming depleted, Captain Xilsen replied that there were still plenty of whales, and it. was not likely that the work which his fleet, was doing would have any serious effect for many years to come;'

The time and conditions prevailing had not enabled much exploration work to be carried out this year, ho said, but he was satisfied that there was still room for development. SECOND FACTORY SHIP.

Captain Xilsen mentioned that there was every probability that a second factory ship would be ready for next year's operations. Up to the present lie had not received any .definite information from his directors as to what their intentions were, but if the new factory ship were sent down with tiro Sir James Clark Ross, three new chasers also would be required to make up the complement to ten, five for each factory ship. So far'as he. knew the proposal would be given effect to. and would afford employment for a crew of 500 men.

WIRELESS ACHIEVEMENTS.

The ship's two wireless operators were iti constant touch with' the Awaruii station," while at. different times they heard other stations, some being as far away as Boston. Vancouver, Rome 'and Manila. Unfortunately 'thev were unable to get into touch with any of the South American stations as had been hoped for, but nevertheless they were greatly pleased with what they had been able to accomplish, more especially on their short wave plant. The Sir James Clark Boss will be ready to take her departure for Norway about the middle of next week. It is understood that the bulk of the oil which she has on board has already been disposed of at a satisfactory price to an American buyer. Captain Nikon, who is in charge of the expedition, will leave the mother ship at Stewart Island and proceed home.bv way of America in order to attend to'tlic fitting out of the new factory ship. His place will bo taken by the first mate, Mr. G. Thorsten'scn, who. has had many years' experience whaling in all parts 'of the world. A collection of Emperor penguins was secured by the. ship's officers foi the Auckland zoo.