BYRD EXPEDITION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 10, 13 January 1941, Page 6

BYRD EXPEDITION

SUPPLY SHIP NORTH STAR ARRIVAL AT DUNEDIN [ Per Press Association. ] DUNEDIN, Jan. 12.

In the teeth of a strong wind from the south-east, the United States Antarctic service supply ship, North Star, arrived at Dunedin this afternoon and berthed at the oil wharf at 5.30, from Seattle. The ship had come by way of Honolulu, and from here she is to proceed south to join the expedition flagship, U.S.S. Beat, at Little America. The two expedition bases, one at Little America and the other on Palmerland, will be evacuated. The North Star presented a very different appearance from the occasion of her last visit on January 1, last year. Then she was loaded heavily below and above, not only with stores and equipment, but also with a specially-designed snow cruiser stored above her after hatch. On her present visit she is riding lightly, having little on board beyond necessary stores. When she embarks 38 men who spent the winter in Antarctica, her accommodation will be taxed. There are about 150 sled dogs at the two bases, and of these the Bear is to take 24, leaving the remainder for the North Star. Two aeroplanes are also to be brought back, together with much scientific and other equipment, but the snow cruiser is t be loft be hind, largely because of he extreme difficulty of loading. The principal purpose of the North Star's visit to Dunedin is to bunker. This supply will have to serve to take her the three or four thousand miles she will cover between here and the Palmerland base, and' then on to Buenos Aires, which will be the first port of call on the homeward journey.