FAR SOUTH EXPLORATION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16465, 29 June 1921, Page 7

FAR SOUTH EXPLORATION.

NEWS OF COPE PARTY. By Telegraph—Pre*« Association—Copyrifb* Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received Juno 29, 10.5 a.m.) MELBOURNE, June 29. The Federal Department has received o. letter posted on a whale-catcher at Auvord Bay, Graham’s Land, last December. from Captain G. W. Wilkins, giving details of the landing of Dr J. L. Cope’s expedition. The partv consists of Dr Cope, Captain Wilkins. Mr T. W. Bagshawe, geologist, and Mr Lister, topographer. Considerable stores and equipment and eight dogs were landed. Hie intention was to start 3S soon as possible across Graham’s Land and to establish a base on the other side; then next spring or possibly late in the present winter, to go south carrying supplies, returning in the summer and living on seal meat. A steamer will call for the partv in February, 1922From these facts it appears that Dr Cope’s ambitious expedition has developed into a mere reconnaissance exploring Graham’s Land. Dr Cope’s expedition was organised in England last year. The project was not supported by the Royal Geographical Society, which refused its support. The inclusion of aeroplanes for reconnaissance and transport in tho equipment of the expedition was widely criticised but I)t Cope contended that, fitted will large ski-shaped runners instead of wheels, aeroplanes would be of great use. Dr Cope lias had extensive Antarctic experience, be having been surgeon of the Ross Sea Party of the Shackletnn Expedition. T>r Cope’s partv readied the Antarctic in December and expected to be in the far south for several years.