FLIGHTS IN POLAR REGIONS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 17947, 4 May 1928, Page 9

FLIGHTS IN POLAR REGIONS.

Captain Wilkins’s Plans.

MANY DIFFICULTIES TO FACE. " (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received May 3, 7.15 p.m.) NEW YORK, May 2. The Svalbard correspondent of the “New York Times” interviewed Captain Wilkins, who hopes to reach New York on July 1. He is making plana to fly from Ross Sea to Graham’s Land, r-.ot rivalling Commander Byrd’s efforts to reach the South Pole, but they may have-bases near each other. Captain Wilkins will fly from the west, and will follow the coast of Graham’s Land, while Commander Byrd flies inland and south. Captain "Wilkins added that Antarctic flying presents difficulties and problems widely different from those of the Arctic, but the two summers he spent in the neighbourhood of Graham’s Land have given him some idea of the requirements. He expressed confidence in Commander Byrd’s success in his Antarctic venture, and said delay may give Colonel Nobile serious trouble, since Arctic explorations -are extremely difficult in summer. Although it is possible to operate aircraft above the Arctic fogs, he expressed confidence in Colonel Nobile’s ability and knowledge.

LIFE IN ARCTIC REGION. “ NOT, IMPOSSIBLE,” SAYS CAPTAIN WILKINS. (United Press Association —By Electrie Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received May 3, 7.15 p.m.) OSLO, May 3.

Captain Wilkins, is spending the time, while waiting for a ship, writing a book entitled “My Polar Flights.” He states he does not think it is impossible to live in the Arctic regions near the Pole. He is strongly of opinion that future air routes will closely follow his, because of the excellent landing bases in Alaska. BOUND FOR NORTH POLE. COLONEL NOBILE DEPARTS. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) - 1 (Received May 3, 8.0 p.m.) LONDON, May 2. Colonel Nobile, in the “Italia,” left Stolp at 3.25 this morning for Spitzbergen, en route for the North Pole.