The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 1929. LIFE AT THE POLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 January 1929, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 1929. LIFE AT THE POLE.

K hading the daily nows from the Byrd Expedition to the SoUlil the average reader will he inclined to think that' with all the amenities science and forethought now provide in the matter of equipment, life in the region referred to must be almost one glad holiday. The explorers are able to converse daily with their folk in U.S.A. and detail their doings with a minute description of the daily round. We learn of their Xmas pastimes and the care with which even the menu is prepared. 'l’he real work has hardly begun yet, but it, too, is being thoroughly done. There was some arduous skiing to locate the winter camp, when and where the rigors of the south will not be so enjoyable. What is seen and heard is told daily with interest. f I he most remarkable feat seems to be the bearing of wireless news from all parts of the world at the very bottom of this interesting globe of ours. Wireless is one of the mysteries, and the manner in which its messages reach out and girdle the earth is one of the most mysteries of the mystery. It is hoped the intrepid travellers are well supplied with strong batteries so that this all important link with the outside world will not lie broken, and that the twoway communication may be maintained throughout the great adventure. There is no doubt this material help from science will be a great aid towards the success of the mission. The

advantage of the daily converse will keep the men in the best of spirits. The Great Silence of the Polar region is therefore overcome and a new bond of comradeship has been established which must play an important part in keeping the men in good heart, and therefore accomplishing more than would he likely otherwise. Also there will be the aid I'rorn the aeroplane. Accidents in landing and difficulties m taking olf may at times be likely, but with ordinary care tty* aeroplane must be a great adjunctive aid in exploratory work, saving time in the <lisLances possible to cover. Footing it or logging if will l.e snail’s work compared with the swift sweep of the Hying machine, and ground may he covered over and over again, and observations or photographs taken with treater frequency, and so supplying a isire connected story. Another factor m this occasion, is the presence of tlie friendly whaling shies which have coiperatod to such advantage in assisting in helping the voyagers across the ice barrier in the Ross Sea to the Bay >f Whales. The explorers, even on King Edward Land are still far from their .objective. They may reach furLer sonLh by way of South Victoria hand, while beyond that is Carver’s hand. In the ordinary course the intrepid voyagers should ' succeed, for ■villi the equipment at their disposal they should he able to command success. Their conditions for operating ire very superior to the explorers who have reached the South Pole previously. Amundsen, with a remarkable pell of weather to favour him, accommnied a ■wonderful march successfully, uid reached the objective ahead o Scott, whose party was delayed by the weather, and was subsequently overhelmed bv the blizzard on the return journey His is a story which is epic in world annals. Scott’s Last Message is a stirring piece of literature, •vhich never can die. Commander J.vrcl will travel de luxe compared with iho leaders of the previous expeditions. Gut it is evident lie is no less brave ..d determined than those who have 'one before. The risk is always there, ;iul much depends on .sound leadership uid wise _ judgment. Soon the comorts of the steamer must he given-up or a life in hutments on the ice. The lisenmforts wiil he many and the exloriences difficult, hut there is a fine oirit among the hand with the expediion, and they will give tlier loader very support Even with the friendly iid of science and the extra comforts ind conveniences provided, a mighty ask has to be performed, and a. great mluralice test one through The story vhich the wireless is telling is putting he best side out. Discomforts and dif•cuties are made light of. Incidents if the lighter side are magnified, hut alii nd all that there is the task to be bme and life at the Pole to he endured ■efore the voyagers may return con.iien.rs from their self imposed exieditio.ii