ANTARCTIC BIRDS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1077, 15 September 1930, Page 10

ANTARCTIC BIRDS

TALK TO ROTARY CLUB A number of lantern slides of photographs taken by the South Polar Expedition last year under the control of Sir Douglas Mawson were used today to illustrate a talk on “Antarctic Birds and Mammals,” given to the Auckland Rotary Club by Mr. R. A. Falla. Mr. Falla was one of New Zealand’s two scientific members of the expedition, and made a study of bird life in the Polar regions. Last year was a notable one in Antarctic history, three expeditions being in the circle. The largest one was that under Rear-Admiral Byrd, whose chief object was geographical study and a flight over the Pole. Airplanes were also used extensively by the British expedition under Sir Hubert Wilkins', but, although three machines were taken south, only 18 flights in all were made by Sir Douglas Mawson’s party. The expedition was carried on the “Discovery,” Scott’s ship, specially built for the work. The tin bers of the bow were more than six feet thick, and were reinforced by steel. The Mawson expedition was concerned with the scientific research rather than geographic discovery. Penguins and sea. elephants formed the greater part of the subjects shown by Mr. Falla, many being close-up views showing their habits. The club today admitted Mr. Hugh Dent to membership. Visitors included Messrs. Rex. Harrison, of Sydney. J. Foote, of Durban, Norman Tucker, of Los Angeles, and J. S. X*. Deen* of VTansanui.