BYRD DEFENDED.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18441, 6 December 1929, Page 12

BYRD DEFENDED.

SCOTT’S GEOLOGIST REPLIES TO GRAN. By Telegraph.—Pres3 Assc Nation. WELLINGTON, Dec. 5. Mr H. T. Ferrai - , geologist in Captain Scott’s first Antarctic expedition of 1901 to 1904, when asked to comment on Major Gran’s cablegram from Copenhagen, said: “With reference to the criticisms of Commander Byrd’s flight over the South Pole, Major Gran is rather severe. Commander Byrd’s story shows that he and liis pilots are to be heartily congratulated on their successful 24-hour flight to the South Pole, and back. The air surveys and air reconnaissances that are being made will facilitate the work of Dr Gould and his geographical party. Now that Commander Byrd has achieved one of the objects of his expedition, he will no doubt carry liis explorations eastwards and discover territory to which legitimate claim may be laid. Major Gran’s remarks about the mountain ranges near the Pole are hard to follow. For instance, he talks of some of these ranges being south of the South Pole, which, of course, is absurd. It is difficult to understand what he moans by saying: The land on the whole is a plain. r It is well known that, the polar plateau is 9000 feet above the great Ice Barrier. Moreover, it buttressed by mountains 12.000 to 15.000 feet high, between which Commander Byrd had to pass on the flight.’ ”