BYRD INTERVIEWED.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18539, 9 April 1930, Page 8

BYRD INTERVIEWED.

WILKINS’S SUBMARINE PLAN, LECTURE, TOUR AND BOOK. By Telegraph—Praaa Auooiatloa. WELLINGTON, April 8. In the course of an interview on his arrival at Wellington to-day, Admiral Byrd was asked to express an opinion regarding the plans of Sir Hubert Wilkins to reach the North Pole by means of a submarine. This he declined to do. Sir Hubert was a close friend of his, he said, and he intended to discuss the matter with him when they met again. He did not know what the possibilities of the submarine were, but it had to be remembered that a few years ago people would have been inclined to scoff at the idea of reaching the Poles in an aeroplane. As to the future, Admiral Byrd stated that it was his intention to devote the summer to writing a book dealing with Antarctic exploration, and in the autumn he would devote some time to a lecture tour through the United States. He and members of his party were naturally looking forward to reaching home once more, although they would feel very genuine regret in leaving so many good friend" behind in New Zealand. ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME IN CAPITAL. By Telegraph—Pres* Association. WELLINGTON, April 8. An enthusiastic civic reception was given to Rear-Admiral Byrd in the Town Hall by a large crowd of citizens. Addresses were given by the Minister of Labour (Hon. W. A. Veitch), on behalf of the Government; Dr. E. Marsden, Director of Scientific and Industrial Research, and the Mayor (Mr G. A. Troup), all of whom eulogised the work of the Expedition in adding to the exploratory and scientific knowledge, and the laudable accomplishments personally of RearAdmiral Byrd and associates. In his reply, Admiral Byrd paid tribute to the assistance given to the Expedition by the New Zealand Government, and said nis amn people could not have shown more interest in the venture than had New Zealand people. The Expedition had added only a little to what had been accomplished at the Pole by British explorers, who had been the real pioneers and pathfinders. The presentation of a kiwi mounted on greenstone and native wood was made to Rear-Admiral Byrd.