N.Z. Will Not be Base For 1948 Expedition to Antarctica

Wanganui Chronicle, 24 July 1947, Page 5

N.Z. Will Not be Base For 1948 Expedition to Antarctica

(Special N.Z.P.A. Correspondent)

Recd. 5 p.m. London, July 23. It now appears certain, following the discussions in Oslo on the British, Norwegian and Swedish expedition to Queen Maud’s Land in the Antarctic at the end of next year, that New Zealand will not be used as a base, nor will the final call be made there.

It is expected that Capetown or Monte Video will be the last port of call, according to whether the 45 dogs required are available in Greenland or Graham Island. Mr. L. P. Kirwan, director of the Royal Geographical Society, who has now returned to London, said that initial plans for the expedition are taking firmer shape. “It is confirmed that Major-General Riiser-Larsen will lead the expedition, and it is hoped a ship formerly used by the Germans for transporting occupational troops to and from Norway during the war will be provided and re-equipped.. It is at present hoped that she will sail in November 1948.”

The Norwegian Air Force will carry out a topographical survey by air, and it is hopeu the expedition will be equipped with two Catalinas and a light aircraft, perhaps a FieslerStorch or helicopter if one can be secured. The R.A.F. is also probably sending a crew. A wintering party of 14 will be put ashore and will remain on the ice until the spring of 1949.

Mr. Kirwan emphasised that the expedition was purely scientific and It was the first international one of its kind. It is hoped that much valuable information will be gained, including meteorological data. This should be of definite advantage for whaling operations and any proposals for transAntarctic flying