FLY TO POLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 April 1925, Page 3

FLY TO POLE.

iSri'SAUAfi AND N.Z. OABLB ASSOCIATION. (Received tin’s day at. 1.0 p.m.) LONDON, April 23. Amundsen in a message from King’s Bay on Monday states Ihe work of binding and assembling the aeroplanes lor the tlg'lii to the pole is proceeding sat islaetorily. The motor for lilt.son Larsen’s machine was safely installed and the 'piano hauled ashore, where tile mechanics arc giving it the finishin<4 touches, iii order that the motor may be tried out to-morrow. Detrielisen's ‘plane is still on the ire. but the motor will prolmbly be installed oil Wednesday, when the machine will also he hauled to land for completion. It is anticipated both machines will be in a condition to 11 v- by Saturday week, when the first trial Eight will he possible. Five minutes will be sufficient for the purpose of ascertaining that all i shipshape and then a trial flight proper with the full load will take place, preparatory to the Polar flight. An important particular of these trials will be the testing of the scientific i nsl rt;ini'llts to be used by the expedition to the Pole. Taking off and binding trials will be made from snow, ice and sea. Director Schulte maintains that with the full load, the space necessary for a start is a thousand metres, but with a smaller load only three hundred metres will be required. Presumably the trials will occupy four or five days, :;<> all will be ready for the start for the Pole in three weeks providing ideal weather is maintained. It fair weather cm be loreseen lor several days the Frnm and 1 lobby will proceed northwards as iar as possible, the 'planes following so that tanks cm he filled with motor spirit right on the edge of the ice formation. In these circumstances no stay <Ol Danes Island is contemplated. If the < nudit ions, however, should he otherwise, the ships will proceed to Danes Island and await the arrival of the fliers and I lie whole exm-dition will camp ashore and wait until fair weather prevails. All members of the expedition are in excellent health and spirits. Ellsworth and f who are to hv' the navigators 011 the Polar flight arc busy trying out inrioos inslriimeiits.