IN ANTARCTICA

Hokitika Guardian, 29 January 1929, Page 5

IN ANTARCTICA

“By Russell Owen, copyrighted 1928 * by New York Times Company ami St. Louis Post Dispatch. All rights for publication reserved throughout the world. Wireless to ‘Now York Times.’ ”

BYRD’S AIR EXPLORATION. ELEANOR ROLLING ARRIVES. (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) BAY OF WHALES, Jan.' 29. Commander Byrd made his first long exploration flight over King Edward Land to-day, reaching Scott’s, Ntmatak’s mid Alexandra Mountains. lie also discovered a new island and three new mountain peaks reaching into the clouds. He took gasolene for nine and n-lialf hours Out returned alter a five hours’ tour, having been in radio communication with the base practically the if'iill time. Everywhere on the right of his course to-day was unexplored territory and much of the coastline to his left had novel' been seen before. Tbe Eleanor Rolling arrived to-day a few minutes before Bvrd had taken off'. Her arrival and ‘ Byrd’s successful flight made this a day of jubilation, for this is the first steel ship ever used by an Antarctic expedition, and the Rolling overcame the ice successfully for several days. Her getting here safely means that tbe greatest hazard the expedition lias faced lias Ivon surmounted, and now only remains the great task of getting her cargo ashore. Fortunately the ice has gone 'out of the Ray on the east side, so that" we will be able to approach the Barrier and take a direct route over a solid surface only four miles to the camp. “We discovered fourteen mountain peaks sticking above the snow. The solid rock looked good after, so many weeks of ice and snow,” said Commander Byrd, upon his return from his first big tour of Antarctica. On bis flight to-day lie carried the most diversified equipment ever' packed inside an aeroplane. He had everything be needed if forced down and compelled to walk back, and carried two compa'iiions. Pilot Ralchan and .Time, radio operator. It is very probable, however, that relief would be sent out to him either by dog team or by another aeroplane brought by the Rolling. The plane is a cabin monoplane with a wing spread ol fifty feet. Fully loaded it weighed 5100 pounds. Bvrd recently tested out a now sailing sled weighing only thirty-six pounds, including a sail, mast and canvas bag to hold everything on it. He says it is the most satisfactory sled be lias ever had. and when be tested it in a twenty-mile wind it moved across the rough lumpy surface so quickly, that one bad to burry to keep up with it.