TRIP TO POLAR REGIONS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18819, 6 March 1931, Page 9

TRIP TO POLAR REGIONS.

Latest Zeppelin Plans. EFFORTS TO FINANCE ADVENTURE. United Press Association—lly Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright NEW YORK, March 4. The Graf Zeppelin will make a five day Polar exploration expedition in July, if Mr Hugh Eckener succeeds in his plans to finance the project. He stated on his arrival to-day by the “Europa” with his daughter Lotte, that he is confident the trip would not lack backing. It is planned to fly via Len’ngrad, over Franz Josef Land, and St. Nicholas’ Land. Eight or nine scientists would be aboard. “There is a possibility that we may discover many small islands,” he said. “We also want to observe the reaction of the iirship to Arctic weather. The trip will require no preparation other than arrangements for heating the I cabin.” Mr Eckener said the plans for a new giant ship being built in Germany had been altered, causing a year’s delay. “The- R.lOl disaster convinced me that it was advisable to use nothing but helium gas in future. The change from hydrogen gas in the new ship necess tates it being about 20 per cent, larger.”