BYRD’S SECOND IN COMMAND MISSING.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18874, 26 September 1929, Page 9

BYRD’S SECOND IN COMMAND MISSING.

CLOTHES FOUND IN LOCKER AT BATHS. (Special to the “Star.”) WELLINGTON, September 26. INlr Richard G. Brophy, who acted as New Zealand representative for the Byrd Antarctic Expedition, has been reported missing. The following Press message from New York appeared in the “ Springfield Republican ” of August 27:

“ Clothes containing cablegrams from Commander Richard E. Byrd, and business cards bearing the name of Richard Gale Broplry, former second in command to Byrd on the latter’s expedition to the Antarctic, were found in a locker room at the Washington Baths at Coney Island to-day. The clothes had been checked there yesterday. The police learned that Brophy had been living at the Hotel Belvedere, but had been missing for two weeks. His wife and child were said to be visiting friends at Toronto.”

One of the cablegrams signed by Byrd in Little America, and dated April 2, read: “ Aluch obliged for your message. There was some delay in it reaching me. Remember that no matter what hard luck you may have had we can work things out if you will continue to have faith in me. Best of good wishes, your friend, Byrd.” The second message, dated April 22, read: “How are you feeling? Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Cheerio, old fellow Byrd.” Air Brophy did a great deal of work in New Zealand in preparing for the expedition and just before the City of New York sailed for the Antarctic, he was appointed to the position of second in command of the expedition. Some time ago, Mr Brophy returned to the United States, it being stated that he was entering into private business.