POLAR EXPLORATION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 290, 7 December 1928, Page 8

POLAR EXPLORATION

THE BYRD EXPEDITION GOOD PROGRESS MADE (By Telegraph—Per Press Assn.—Copyright) I United Service. J NEW YORK, Dec. 5. A desptach from Mr Bussell Owen, on board the City of New York, in tow of the Eleanor Bolling, at noon on Wednesday, says:— “We are 500 miles south of Tairoa Heads, with gentle winds, a bright sky, and light clouds. In fact, it is the best weather any Antarctic expedition has ever experienced in this region of fierce gales and high seas. The City of New York carries not only an aeroplane, but food supplies sufficient for 20 men on the ice for a year, so that Jven if the Eleanor Bolling should not return with more materails, this is a self-supporting unit able to function scientifically in all departments, including aviation. “The plan to have the Eleanor Bolling tow the City of New York to the ice has worked out excellently. In addition to giving us a fair speed during the period of head winds, it also nsures for us a full supply of coal rhen the ice pack is reached and the Eleanor Bolling turns back. “The problem of carrying enough •oal on these wooden boats has always jeen serious. It was Captain Scott’s greatest worry during his last trip through the ice pack.’’ FINGER TIPS FROZEN REPORT FROM SIR GEORGE WILKINS. [ Australian Press Assn, J LONDON, Dec. 5. Sir George Wilkins has sent a wireless message from Deception Island, stating: 1 ‘Owing to the high wind and piercing cold we have abandoned repairing the ’plane until better weathers. Tears froze on our lashes, and our noses and Nir finger tips are frozen.”