ANTARCTIC FLIGHT

Wairarapa Daily Times, 27 September 1933, Page 3

ANTARCTIC FLIGHT

EXPEDITION DELAYED. ILLNESS OF CO-PILOT. CHRISTCHURCH, Tuesday. Plans for Mr Lincoln Ellsworth’s flight across the Antarctic have been in some measure* upset by the illness of Mr Bernt Batchen, the famous airman and explorer, who will fly as copilot. Through the illness of Mr Balchen, who is suffering from an attack of appendicitis, the expedition will be delayed. Mr Ellsworth has received a cablegram from Cape Town informing him of his co-pilot’s illness. Mr Balchen, the message says, is recovering quickly, and it is expected that the Wyatt Earp, with all the equipment for the expedition, the Northrop Delta lowwing monoplane, and members of the party will reach New Zealand about 7th November. Describing the preparations made for the expedition, Mr Ellsworth mentioned the magnificent wireless equipment his aeroplane would carry. It was three times as powerful as that carried by Admiral Byrd on his famous flight, and in addition there was a second emergency equipment to be operated from the ground, in case a landing was made. The great object of the expedition, Mr Ellsworth explained, was to find out things that were yet unknown in the Antarctic. . The delay has not troubled Mr Ellsworth to any great extent. He is spending most of his time in walking and climbing, and has more than once climbed Mount Herbert since he arrived in Christchurch. He is uncertain about his immediate movements, and may stay in Christchurch, go to Mount Cook, or on the other hand may return to the North Island. Mrs Ellsworth’s plans for the period of her husband’s absence have not yet- been decided, but she will certainly be in New Zealand in February next to welcome him back from his expedition.— (P.A.)