XMAS IN POLAR SEAS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19683, 28 December 1933, Page 7

XMAS IN POLAR SEAS

FESTIVE HOURS ON BYRD SHIP EXPLORING MYSTERY SEAS OF THE SOUTH 6pecial to Press Association—From the Byrd Expedition (Received, December 27, 6.30 p.m.) THE JACOB RUFPERT, December 26. Christmas was celebrated aboard the Jacob Ruppert, in traditional manner. The ninety-five members of the Expedition feasted on turkey, and all that goes with it. Motion pictures and the dog mushers glee club provided an entertainment. Gifts were exchanged and Rear-Admiral Byrd visited all parts of the ship, wishing each man a merry Christmas. Even the elements released a gift to the expedition. Early in the morning the fog lifted, and Commander Gjertsen ordered full speed ahead. The noon position was 66.30 south and 141.20 west. Extending easting, far beyond the original longitude, the course is now due eastward. In soundings on Saturday a 10,500 ft line was dropped without touching bottom. Allowing for the drift, the official report was no bottom at 9000 ft. Rocks were found imbedded in passing icebergs, of varying colours—brown, green and blue. The Expedition geologists studied them and declared they have been carried from the Continent. This is interesting as there is no coast in this vicinity, yet there has been discovered c.n iceberg fragment of a fresh water glacier. A message from the Bear of Oakland states that until Christmas morning about 350 miles from New Zealand, the Bear was bucking in a strong southwest gale and mountainous seas, with all masts bare except a double reefed mainsail. On Christmas dawn the sea moderated, and the morning watch on arising found the forecastle wardroom and quarters decorated in holiday style; Stockings filled with delicacies were distributed to each man. The noon meal was celebrated in appropriate fashion, and toasts were offered to the success of the Expedition.