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Hokitika Guardian, 28 March 1929, Page 4

Tun intrepid explorers in Antarctica are not enjoying anything in the nature of a holiday outing. The almost daily reports for which the wonders ol win-less are responsible, keep the temporary outcasts in touch with the world. Although the public will marcel at tlu; wonders of science in piovnling the means of keeping' in touch with Byrd’s parly and learning of their daily doings, the convenience of the wireless is of more importance to the men themselves, who being in daily touch with their own country, will livl less out of the world, while the fuel, that wireless played its part in the rescue of the Gould party from a distant mountain side when isolated ,y a storm of unusual violence, will indicate me practical service aerial ■•ommunication can be. Another remarkable aid to the explorers lias been ilie Hying machines. These played their nart also in the rescue ol the isolated party, indicating the very preunit help the living machine can he in times ot special emergency. Commander Byrd is proving himself an oulstanding leader of men, and is living up to the great reputation lie had earned previously. He is not disposed to send his men where he will not go himself, and is prepared always to lead where the risks are the greatest. An expedition such as this, encountering all the discomfits it is possible to conceive, apart from the grave dangers and risks always present, shows at least the spirit of the human race and its powers of endurance in the face of great odds. The experience lifts life out of the common rut, and is an example of the readiness of men to face odds and win through. The expedition does not lack in leadership or equipment. Both nave been tried out in emergency already, and nothing has been found wanting. Tim .manner in which livid .irected his .ships :iih( saved them I rum icing locked in the grip of the ice, was no mean feat. He lias a great Billowing evidently, men who plate all conldenee in him, and submit to his eadorship without question. On such i. mission as the present, that condition of affairs is essential to complete success. The expedition will soon be digging in for its long winter, but with the radio for companionship, the experience will be different to former tensions when the great silence of the frozen south had to he endured without the hope of a possible break. I’lie present vloyagers at (least will have the comfort of news from home laily, and that touch will make the rigorous conditions round about them more endurable. Brave men, all, they will deserve what comfort they can deice from their link with the outside world.