FOR THE SOUTH

Southland Times, Issue 22473, 8 November 1934, Page 8

FOR THE SOUTH

BYRD SUPPLY SHIPS OVERHAUL COMPLETED DEPARTURE ON DECEMBER 26 (Per United Press Association.) Dunedin, November 7. Preparations are now being made for the departure of the Byrd supply ships Bear of Oakland and the Jacob Ruppert to the Antarctic within the next seven or eight weeks. The Bear of Oakland has just completed an extensive overhaul and repairs and has also had a new foremast fitted. The vessel is now at Port Chalmers and will return to her former berth at Dunedin after the departure of H.M.S. Dunedin on November 17. The Jacob Ruppert is also in first class sea-going order. Lieut. English stated to-day that the Bear of Oakland will leave Dunedin on December 26 and the Jacob Ruppert, will leave Port Chalmers about January 12 for the Antarctic. The Bear of Oakland should reach the ice pack about a week after her departure. The Jacob Ruppert will then be advised of the condition of the ice pack and that report will determine the date of departure of the latter vessel. If the ice conditions are favourable, the Jacob Ruppert will probably sail before January 12. The ships will then proceed to the ice barrier where Rear-Admiral Byrd and members of his expedition will be embarked, and also equipment for the return voyage to New Zealand and America. Lieut, English explained that the personnel for the Bear of Oakland and Jacob Ruppert was now being selected for the coming voyage to the Antarctic. He is anxious to secure the services of New Zealanders to make up the shortage in the crews.