AVIATION.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 August 1928, Page 3

AVIATION.

Australian Press Assn.—United Service BYRD’S EXPEDITION. an enormous* cost. (Received this day at 11 0 a.m - NEW YORK, Aug. 15. Byrd’s Antarctic Expedition, starting from New York next week, will be the most stupendous undertaking in the history of exploration. It makes wliat Americans call the entry ol explorers into the million dollars field. Two thirds of a million have already l>een secured in cash and equipment. r l he total expense of Byrd’s North Pole expedition two years ago was thirty thousand sterling. For the present expedition two aeroplanes cost fourteen thousand sterling, just about the same cost as two old slops which the expedition secured. BYRD’S WIRELESS. ARRANGEMENTS IN PROGRESS. GISBORNE, August 16. Detailed information regarding the arrangements for wireless communication with Byrd’s Antarctic expedition wore received ny R. Patty, radio amateur from Canadian Westinghousc Coy. with a request that amateurs of New Zealand and Australia report upon the reception of the American station Iv.D.K.A. at hours coinciding with the proposed schedule. The weekly schedule is divided between four stations, Iv.D.K.A. being the only short-wave one, and the only one likely to he received in this country. The intention is to communicate with the expedition every Saturday at 11 p.m. Eastern standard time and 3.30 p.in. following by New Zealand time. Iv.D.K.A.’s allocation being December Ist and 25th, January 12th, February 2nd and 23rd. Morse communication will always be possible. Nightly tests are now being conducted for the purpose of checking reception oil voice. Amateurs are requested to stand by every Sunday at 3.30 p.m. New Zealand time, while the expedition is lrt the Antarctic for emergency messages.

BYRD PREPARING. DUNEDIN, August 10

Cable advice from America states Commander Byrd has purchased a second ship for his expedition to the South Pole, to act as tender to the Samson. Arrangements are in lull swing here for providing the necessary foodstuffs for the expedition. Thousands of dollars of eggs arc to be purchased.