ITALIA STRUGGLES IN ARCTIC STORM.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18468, 21 May 1928, Page 10

ITALIA STRUGGLES IN ARCTIC STORM.

thrilling story OF AIRSHIP’S ESCAPE FROM BLIZZARD. (United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) SPITZBERGEN, May 19. That exploration of the Polar regions by airship is constantly beset with dangers was revealed by the Italia's return after a flight of nearly three days and nights, in which it covered nearly 2000 miles. The airship became coated with nearly a ton of ice, causing anxiety. Finally a blizzard compelled the return of the airship, with the ultimate objective, the thorough exploration of the lands and islands known as Lenin Land, unattained. The Italia on the way made a search for Gillis Land, claimed to have been discovered by the English explorer of that name, but failed to find a trace of it.

As the north coast of Spitzbergen was approached the weather became more and more uncertain. Finally, enveloped in a thick belt of fog, the airship nosed it* way for hours through the. nebulous mass until it was observed that ice was beginning to form on the mental parts. Finally the airship came to an open sea of ice, over which it flew at an altitude of 500 feet. The midnight sun sent its rays over th£ horizon, streaming across the dead icy wastes of the Polar Sea far and wide. Not the slightest sign of life was seen.

Shortly before five o'clock on Wednesday morning the coast of FranzJosef Land was sighted. The temperature aboard fell to as much as seven degrees below zero, and the crew, owing to the lack of opportunity for exercise. suffered considerably, despite fur outfits. A crust of ice now enveloped the whole of the airship, hindering manoeuvring. It became disconcerting. Over Franz-Josef Land a flag from the city of Venice was thrown over, in memory of explorers from that city who perished there. Shortly afterwards the head wind strengthened considerably and slowed the airship’s progress. Over the spot where. Captain Cagni wintered twenty-eight years ago a wreath was dropped. When the Italia somewhat lumberingly approached where Lenin Land was supposed to be the blizzard broke suddenly. Obviously a landing thereabouts was impracticable. Just before midnight the Italia set a new course, following the receipt of a wireless message from the supply ship advising a return as far south as possible. After five hours’ flight over the sea of ice the islands of Nova Zembla rose up to the southward and the airship simultaneously ran into a new bank of fog. It rose to its highest capacity with difficulty, to avoid the danger of further ice accumulating, as already it was estimated at a ton in weight. When the airship was 150 miles from King’s Bay a series of north-easterlies shook it from nose to stern. MajorGeneral Nobile on one occasion believed that it w’ould be impossible to make the base, and contemplated steering to Vadsoe, Norway. All hands including the wireless operator, were called to keep the Italia in the air, and this explains the absence of replies to the supply ship’s signals. The crew were now considerably fatigued with the forty hours’ constant strain of the watch. There was joy on board when a wireless message was received from King’s Bay stating that everything was ready for the Italia’s arrival, and that the weather was favourable for landing.

The Italia arrived at King’s Bay in streaming sunshine and calm air, and landed smoothly.—Australian Press Association.

AMUNDSEN DECLARES HE HAS VISITED NICHOLAS 11. LAND

OSLO, May 19. Captain Amundsen, interviewed, described Major-General Nobile’s statement that he failed to find Nicholas 11. Land as astonishing. Captain Amundsen said that he personally visited it in the expedition in the Maud by means of sledges. He had signal posts erected. He thinks that Major-General Nobile must have passed the island in the fog.—Australian Press Association —United Service.

MR VAN LEAR BLACK LANDS AT CAIRO.

LONDON, May 19. Mr van Lear Black, the Dutch American millionaire, who is flying from Amsterdam to Tokio and back, arrived at Cairo.—Australian Press Association.

KINGSFORD SMITH READY TO TAKE-OFF FOR AUSTRALIA

SAN FRANCISCO, May 19. Captain Kingsford Smith stated that the monoplane Southern Cross was ready for the proposed flight to Australia. “ All that remains is to set a date for departure. We have not decided when we will take off, but it will be in the near future.” Captain Smith declared that the trimotored Fokker had completed test flights.—Australian Press Association.

U.S. TO HAVE 1000 AIRPORTS BY END YL~R.

NEW YORK, May 19. The Secretary for War, Mr Dwight Davis, told delegates of the Associated Harvard Clubs that the United States will have 1000 air ports in operation at the end of the present year. He stated that the progress made by the United States during the past two years was greater than that of any other nation in aviation .—Australian Press Association.