THE POLAR FLIGHT.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 June 1925, Page 3

THE POLAR FLIGHT.

SKAItCH Mil! AMUNDSCN

(Received this day at 12 30 p.tn.) LONDON. June 17.

A copyright wireless from Danes Island on 10th. June, stated that when the Hobby on the 9th. returned there after her first eastward patrol, the Ji’nim had departed for the South to fetch the relief expedition consisting of two aeroplanes. Thus the journalists have been cut off from wireless stations since and have been living in a trappers’ hut at Wellman’s Bay, and are eating Polar hear moat. Following instructions the Hobby immediately proceeded northwards again on her patrolling expedition, and she returned to-night, the results of her search showing that the polar ice now lies unusually far north with open water to eighty point forty-live degrees, this being about forty miles iroin the north const of Spitsbergen. The ire approaches land near Xorth-Fastlaiul, lint outside the 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 Spitsbergen they are probably hound lor Nortli-Eastland.

Despite the most intently maintained watch by the Hobby’s crew no trace was found of the airmen,

All trappers living in the . north coast huts of Spitsbergen have been warned to keep a look-out.

RELIEF AEROPLANES. LONDON, June 17. A wireless from Dings Bay on June I7th stated the I lobby immediately

got in touch with the Heimdal, lying in • Advent Bay. The Heimdal advised that pilots and two aeroplanes which were sent by the Norwegian Government, would be ready to start when she gave the word. The Heimdal after ascertaining the ice conditions were favourable in the north lelt. Advent Bay at I a.m. and wirelessed that instructions had been given the pilots of the planes to get ready to start. Iwo aeroplanes ascended from. Advent Buy at 9.45 in ideal weather and bright: sunshine with a slight easterly breeze. At eleven we heard the roar of engines and a few seconds later the Hobby put out a boat to the aeroplanes, which descended about 11.35. ft is understood the aeroplanes lly at a speed of eighty miles per hour and at a height of four thousand feet. The Tfobbv will proceed northwards from Danes Island to-night with orders to place buoys at AVellmnu’s Bay where the aeroplanes will be moored. Ihe aeroplanes will proceed northwards as early as possible. The TTeimdal is expected here at 7 p.tn.