TRANS-POLAR FLYER GIVES ACCOUNT OF JOURNEY WITH CAPTAIN WILKINS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18448, 26 April 1928, Page 10

TRANS-POLAR FLYER GIVES ACCOUNT OF JOURNEY WITH CAPTAIN WILKINS.

(United Press Assn.—By Electric T elegraph.—Copyrigh t.) NEW YORK, April 24. Captain Wilkins concluded his story of the Arctic flight:—

“We are now well rested, and are enjoying the comforts of the mess at the Green Harbour radio station and the splendid hospitality of the Norwegian officials. It is possible that we may not be able to leave until after the middle of May. It would be impossible to take off in a machine fitted with wheels from snow and ice, and it would be hazardous to attempt landing on any but snow-covered country with the skis we have, so we must wait patiently for Steamship transportation.” Eielson's account of the adventure is* ** It occurred to me before starting that there are not many men with whom I would be willing to start on such a trip, where there is always the chance of a year's walk back, but I had had before a thorough demonstration of Wilkins’s ability on the ice, as well as bis accuracy in Arctic navigation. “ Some of my impressions during the flight I may set down as follows: When we ran into the first mass of cloud I began to wish that it had been my lot to be a chicken farmer, not an aviator, but it soon cleared, and the sunshine was reassuring. After the first thirteen hours of the flight passed it was difficult to keep the engine warm, although it was wrapped in asbestos. The machine grew light when we had only thirty gallons of petrol left, and approaching the goal she leaped and bucked like a vicious horse, added to which the fine snow’ and wind made everything invisible. “My landing was lucky. I was reminded of Robinson Crusoe by our stay' at Dead Man’s Island. It was, however, not warm there. You can imagine my consternation when I nearly left Wilkins behind on trying to leave. Our efforts to get a start would have been extremely ludicrous had they not been so downright serious. We determined, if necessary, since the 'plane could not start without him pushing, and once started he was unable to get- in, to drop him provisions and arms while I flew for help, but fortunately this was not necessary.

“Our trip successfully ended, we settled down to enjoy the comforts of Green Harbour, which to us seemed like a foretaste of heaven.”—Australian Press Association.