COASTAL SURVEY WORK.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1432, 6 May 1912, Page 4

COASTAL SURVEY WORK.

FOR TERRA NOVA'S CREW. It is quite probable that the officers and crew of the British Antarctic expedition ship Terra Nova will spend tho winter months this, year in carrying out some useful coastal survey work (says the Christchureli "News"). Last year, it will be remembered, tho Terra Nova was engaged for three months in re-charting the Three Kings Islands, and making a big series of foundings to fix tho position of tho 100-fathom lino off Capo Maria van Dicmen, and round the Three Kings. This was a highly important work from a navigator's point of view, and was successfully accomplished by the Terra Nora\s naval officers, at a comparatively small cost to tho New Zealand Government. The charts of tho Three Kings and the vicinity showing the 100-fathom lino soundings plotted are at present in tho hands of the Admiralty llydrographie Office, and will probably bo available in tho r form of Admiralty charts this year. Up to (lie present nothing lias Ijccn decided with regard to any survey work being done this winter, but Lieutenant 1 H. L. Pennell, H.N., officer commanding tho Terra Nora, has been in communication with the Marino Department en the subject, lie will leave to-night by the Maori for Wellington to interview tho Minister for Marino (the Hon. G. Lnureiisou) and tho Marine Department authorities, and is hopeful that a definite btheme will be arranged- Lieutenant l'cunell informed a reporter that in the event of an arrangement being come to with the Marino Department, it was probable that Admiralty Bay, at tho eastern approach to the French "Pass, would be selected «s tho place to be surveyed. The Terra Nova wiSl not be used in connection with the survey work, but will bo laid up at LytteHon. The rigging of the vessel is at present being repaired and overhauled, and the ship will be docked (ho week after n-ext for repairs and overhaul.

In the event of tho survey work being arranged, the Terra Nova's company will bo supplied with launches and boats by the Government, and the party will camp at a shore base at souio ronveniunt spot in the vicinity. A start will probably bo made, some time in June, ami (ho wuW--win occupy about throe months,