BYRD IN ANTARCTICA.

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19459, 26 December 1934, Page 7

BYRD IN ANTARCTICA.

MISHAP TO TRACTOR. CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS. DOGS LIKE THE TURKEYS. United Press A«p.~Fie" T»1 rnpvrltrhl NEW YORK, Dec. 24. The following wireless message has been received from the Byrd Antarctic expedition at Little America: — The last remaining machine of the tractor party has broken down and has been abandoned 136 miles from tlie camp. This marks a climax to two-months of misadventures suffered by the group. Rear-Admiral Byrd sent a rescue party out and expects it to reach the tractor party in a few days. No concern is felt for the safety of the men concerned as they are supplied with more than a month’s rations.

On Christmas Eve this remote community is preparaing to celebrate the holiday in its own odd fashion. The main cause for joy among the members of the expedition is that their siege will soon be lifted. Two days after Christmas the Bear of Oakland is scheduled to leave Dunedin with longawaited mail packets containing news from home which the men, are so anxious to hear.

To-morrow there will be some disappointments. Six turkeys, which had been carefully saved for the occasion, have gone. Marauding dogs took them from the/ tunnel storehouse during the winter. Even beef is scarce and it is probable that some of the unending supply of seal meat will find Its way to the Christmas table.

The prospective menu consists of vegetable soup a la Bay of Whales, fried steak, a la oarbone-—meaning whatever the expedition’s cook, Carbone, can find—creamed corn, potatoes, cranberry sauce, apple pie and ice cream,

After a day’s probing in the snow and ioe-fllled storehouse a long-lost case of sherry was found to the joy of everyone for now we can belatedly celebrate the repeal of prohibition in America.

Seventeen members of the expedition will be absent, including the two stranded Held parties and the relief crew that is carrying the extra pai;ts to the disabled tractor.