WILKINS READY FOR EXPLORATION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18940, 10 December 1929, Page 1

WILKINS READY FOR EXPLORATION.

HOPES TO LEAVE DECEPTION ISLAND AT END OF WEEK. By SIR HUBERT WILKINS. (Copj-right). (United Press Assn.—By BTectrlo Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Received December 20, 8.55 am.) LONDON, December 9. Sir Hubert Wilkins wirelessed from Deception Island on Friday as follows : “I am delighted to hear of Commander Byrd’s success. Our preliminary preparations are almost complete, and the time when good weather may be expected is approaching. We must soon seek a more southerly base, consequently we have been carefully checking everything. “To-day’s test flight showed that everything was practically ready. We have arranged to accommodate one machine fitted with any type of landing gear, aboard the William Scoresby, and will start loading supplies immediately. “About next week-end. weather permitting, Cramer, Cheeseman, Porter and myself will sail with the ‘plane and the Austin Seven motor-car and also the tractor, which should be most helpful in transporting supplies. We shall probably go outside the Antarctic Archipelago, trying to reach as far south as possible and to locate a good icefield for the take-off over the Ross Sea. Our plans depend on conditions, but if our position reduces the total distance to 2000 miles we might attempt a non-stop flight, or await a second ’plane before setting out.”