POLAR FLIGHTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17238, 19 April 1930, Page 3

POLAR FLIGHTS

BYRD'S COMMENTS RECEPTION AT WELLINGTON The epoch-making polar flights of Rear-Admiral Byrd were made more real and intimate lo members of certain community and civic organisations: on Wednesday in (ho Wellington Town Hall, when the admiral, after heingi accorded a reception, spoke from the platform in accompaniment to films of his exploits shown on the screen. The films were those of Admiral Bvid's flight over the North Pole in (.lie company of the late Captain Bennett, and' also the successful flight over the Atlantic, ocean; Preliminary ■'shots" of I he'South Pole expedition were also shown, the admiral commenting freely throughout the screening. At the conclusion he shook bands, with those present. The organisations concerned in the reception were the English Speaking Union, Instilnte« of Pacific Relations, Navy League. New Zealand Club, Overseas" Leagues, Returned Soldiers' Association. Rotary Club. University Club, Victoria. League, and Y.M.C.A. Optimists' -Club. Among the apologies for absence read was one from the Prime Minister. The Chief Justice. Sir Michael Myers, occupied the chair. A COMMON OBJECT.

The chairman said the aims and objects of the different, organisations represented were widely divergent---they were as the poles apart--but. their qonimon object was for the peats of the world. That, they believed, depended upon the English-si*aking peoples. The. gathering had great admiration for Admiral' Byrd, and every member of the. expedition, while they appreciated the honor he had conferred on them by attending the function. The United States and Britain had produced, some great men. among whom was Mr. Walter Hynes Page, one of the greatest of United States ambassadors, whose international work the speaker proceeded to eulogise. Mr. Page was a friend of the/English people, ami lie was a. cousin of Admiral Byrd. .., Proceeding, Sir "Michael Myers said that Admiral l'.vrd was admired lor Ins achievements in both Polar expeditions. He. was admired for his modesty, tor his tributes to the late British explorers, Scott and Shae.klelon, and for his leadership. The admiral bad templed Providence during his southern expedition, hut had not allowed his men to take unnecessary risks, and therein lav the qualities of his leadership. Ihe courage and ability of leadership was the greatest need of. the presenl day. What other worlds were there for Admiral Byrd to conquer? The speaker reminded:'the admiral that before Jong; there would he another Presidential 'election. (Laughter.) A! more thai) "ne reception tho admiral had thanked the New Zealand Government; for its assistance to his expedition, hut the citizens of New Zealand would have been ashamed if the Government? or civil service had not done everthinei possible for the explorers. All joined in wishing the admiral best wishes on his return to his native country. ROTARY FLAG RETtTRNEO. In the. ceremony of restoring to.the Wellington Rotary Club a flag which he had carried over (he South tole at the request of tho club.. Admiral Byrd returned, thanks for the reception that had been accorded him. On all sides be and his comrades had received unusual hospitality. It was such courtesy as had been evidenced that night that convinced him there was no reason whv there should not be everlasting friendship between New Zealand and his country, and in I hat regard he Heartily reciprocated tho sentiments expressed by Sir Michael Myers. "I he Prime Minister has charged me to take hack to the United States as an unofficial ambassador greetings from the people of New Zealand to the people of the United States, and upon my return that shall be my first and pleasantest duty." The Wellington Rotary Club had asked that he carry the fla* for if over the South Pule, ami the expedition I'M been verv proud to do so Rotary was always in tho forefront. ' wheree'ver progress was concerned. It gave him very much pleasure lo return th<?> flag to the dub. "It is. indeed; a. very great honor i„ receive from you this Rotary Club flag which accompanied you your famous and epoch-making flight Wd the president of the Rotary. Club. Mr, I M. A. Holt, in reply. He said the •olmiral was himself a Rotarian. and the Rotary Club of Winchester, . Virginia, must, he a proud club.