ARCTIC SEARCH.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18412, 19 June 1925, Page 9

ARCTIC SEARCH.

FRUITLESS PATROL. ICE FOUND FAR NORTH. AIRPLANES' TRIAL FLIGHT. (bt cable—press association—copyright.) (australian and x.?. cable association.) LONDON, Juno 17. A wireless message from Danes Island on Tuesday states that when tho Hobby, on Juno 9th, returned thero after her first eastward patrol, tho Farm had departed for tho south to bring Amundsen's relief expedition, consisting of two airplanes. Tho journalists have been cut off from wireless stations since, and have been living in a trapper's hut at Wellman's Bay, eating polar bear meat. Following instructions, the Hobby immediately proceeded northwards again on a patrolling expedition. She returned to-night. Tho results of her search show that tho polar ico now lies unusually far north, with open water to 80.-15 degrees N., about 40 miles from tho north coast of Spitzbergen. Tho ice approaches the land near North-East Land, but outside tho pack ice lies a wide belt of drift ice, which tho airmen cannot possibly pass in their small canvas boats. If, therefore, they are seeking Spitzbergen, they aro probably bound for North-East Land. Despito tho most intently-maintain-ed watch by tho Hobby's crew, nest to no trace, has been found of tho airmen. All trappers living in huts on the north coast of Spitzbergen have been warned to keep a look-out. A later message sent from King's Bay (Spitzbergen) to-day, states that the Hobby got in touch with the >Heimdal, lying in Advent Bay. Tho Heimdal advised that the pilots and two airplanes, which had been Bent by the Norwegian Government, would be ready to start when she gave the word. Tho Heimdal, afto- ascertaining that tho ice conditions were favourable in tho north, left Advent Bay at 4 a.m. She wirelessed that instructions had been given for the pilots and 'planes to be ready to start. Tho two airplanes ascended from Advent Bay at 9.45 a.m., in ideal weather —bright sunshine, with a slight easterly breeze. At 11, the roar of engines was heard. A few seconds later the Hobby put out a boat to tho airplanes, which descended about 11.35 a.m. The Hobby will proceed northwards from Banes Island to-night, with orders to place buoys at Wellman's Bay, whore airplanes can be moored. The airplanes will proceed northwards as early as possible. The Heimdal is expected to arrive at King's Bay at 7 p.m.

MACMILLAN PARTY. TO SAIL TO-MORROW. (beoteb's tblegbamsO NEW YORK, June 17. Commander Donald MacMillan's expedition, aboard the Peary, : wiled from Charleston Navy Yard for Wibcasset, Maine. The expedition will sail for. the north, accompanied by the schooner Bowdoin, on Saturday. ' ["The expedition will attempt to ascertain whether or not a continent exists in tho 1,000,000 square miles between Alaska and . tho Norflißfe 'Planes of amphibian type■ piloted by navy officers tra Q have been granted leave. An attempt wiU be made to map airways for flights to Europe and Asia.- On his return. Com. mander MacMillan will explore Labia, dpr for Norse ruins, the «sistenroof which has been reported by the Eskimos. The United States * avy is, sendSg eight men, and the National Geographical Society fivo scientists with the expedition. Seme of the 'planes will participate in tho search for Amundsen.]