WILKINS RETURNS TO NEW YORK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19035, 2 April 1930, Page 1

WILKINS RETURNS TO NEW YORK.

EXPLAINS REASONS WHY HE WILL USE SUBMARINE

(United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) NEW YORK, March 31. Sir Hubert anu Lady Wilkins were the guests of honour at a dinner given by Mr Herbert Brookes, CommissionerGeneral for Australia, at which fiftytwo guests were present. The British Consul-General at Nev 7 York, Sir Harry Armstrong, who was present when Sir Hubert landed, declared that when the explorer made his trans-Arctic flight American newspapers claimed that he was an American. The speaker, and the Ambassador, Sir Esnte Howard, were much pleased therefore when the King knighted Sir Hubert a month later.

Mr J. 11. Finley, President of the American Geographic Society, wittily declared that without waiting a month the Society had awarded the explorer its gold medal, indeed it had done so three days after the flight. Sir Hubert Wilkins, responding, spoke of the independence of the Australian character, and commented on Mr Finley’s and Sir Harry Armstrong’s remarks. He said that he had come to the inevitable conclusion that his work was international in its benefits. He then made various important explanations concerning his proposed submarine expedition to the Arctic in 1931. People thought the trip fantastic, impossible, and too dangerous, he said, but Stefansson, back in 1913, had de dared that the aeroplane would ultimately be limited to reconnaissance in polar work, but the submarine had the greatest possibility. Sir Hubert said that he found that this was borne out by thirteen years of study. He intended, by submarine alone, to make a practical study of currents and depths in the Arctic, in what was possibly the deepest ocean in the world; pendulum tests to determine whether the North Pole was truly the “top of the world,” information that was derived in the first place from the sun; and summer ice tests, which to his knowledge had never been made before.

Flying over thousands of miles, and traversing on foot 5000 miles of Arctic ice packs, had shown Sir Hubert that there was no ice field in excess of twenty-five miles in length; thus a submarine would always be able to rise and recharge its batteries before each lap of 135 miles under the sea. There were, furthermore, devices for breaking through the ice. The most important factor, he added, was the ability to land parties on the ice for study at convenient intervals. Interviewed later, Sir Hubert said that his aims and ambitions were even more extensive than he had announced. He admitted that the Arctic was so well known that there remained little pioneer work to be done. “But,” lie added, “we are going to the Arctic principally to study summer ice conditions, so very important a factor in all polar regions. The study and experience I hope to gain in the North will enable me immediately after the northern summer in 1931 to proceed to the Antarctic with a submarine for even more extensive investigations.”

MAWSON REPORTS MANY FINDS IN ANTARCTICA. ADELAIDE, April 1. The Discovery, with Sir Douglas Mawson on board, berthed at the Semaphore anchorage. Sir Douglas expressed great pleasure at the success of the expedition and their safe return. The expedition was given an enthusiastic reception. The Governor of South Australia, Sir Alexander llore-Ruthven, the State Government and the public congratulated the expedition at the conclusion of a successful first voyage.

The Discovery, which will remain for about a week, will be thrown open for inspection, and will then depart for Melbourne. Sir Douglas Mawson said; We charted hundreds of miles of new coastline, in which the aeroplane proved invaluable. We made a complete investigation into whaling and accomplished a phenomenally large amount of general scientific work.” The ship brought back thousands of specimens, which are not yet on view. Sir Douglas Mawson’s party to-night was tendered a banquet by the South Australian Government. Many notable persons were present, including the Governor-General, Lord Stonehaven, and the State Governor, Sir Alexander llore-Ruthven. Lord Stonehaven paid a tribute to the remarkable team work of the expedition, which he described as an organisation typical of the British race. He read a message from the King congratulating Sir Douglas Mawson and his companions on their wonderful achievement in the face of formidable hardships. Sir Douglas Mawson’s speech was a recital of the absorbing incidents that ltad occurred from the time they left Capetown, last October, until they reached the pack ice. lie announced that the Australian flag had been raised on the newly discovered terri tory.