MAWSON EXPEDITION

Hokitika Guardian, 9 May 1929, Page 2

MAWSON EXPEDITION

TWO N.Z. SCIENTISTS RECOMMENDED.

AUCKLAND, Alay 7

Invitations issued by the Government of Australia to the Now Zealand Government to include rep resen tali. e* in (lie scientific personnel ol the 1. rtlijoiniiig British, Australian, and New /real ami Am arctic Expedition, have idsu.ted ’in the names and qualifications of two Dominion scientists being forwarded to dir Douglas Alaw.sun, leader of the e-pediiion, for his consideration. Air Robert ’Alexander Falla, ALA., of Auckland, lecturer in nature study at the Auckland Training College, is one'of the candidates. Air Tulin, who i ;i go years old, has for a long time taken an interest in natural science. He nas made a special study o! the li.il»Ls and dUtrroutkm of oceanic birds anil is recognised as one ol the leading authorities oil the subject in New Zcu.nnd. Because ol' his interest and research work in marine biology, lie recently accompanied the Royal Danish research ship Dana, on her cruise off the East coast ol Now Zealand. He thus gained considerable experience in the work he will no engaged in if ho accompanies the doming .expedition. Several original papers mi New Zealand sea birds are from Air Falla’s pen, and he is well versed in their habits and anatomy. He is a member of the Council fif the Auckland Institute and Afuseum and is secretary of the committee for the, ecological survey of AA'aitomata Harbour, a body of Auckland scientists. Educated at first in Invercargill, Air Falla ' entered Auckland Grammar School with a Junior National Scholarship. H.o continued his studies sit the Auckland University College, taking his degree of Bachelor of Arts in ipy.p and his AT.A. two years later. In 11024 ho a'so won a University Senior Scholarship. Air Falla is a son of AH G. Falla, formerly station master at Auckland, who now lives at Dovonport. It is understood that the other candidate is a meteorologist on the Government staff at Wellington. It is probable that the two New Zealanders will have to travel to Capetown to join the expedition if their services are accepted by Sir Douglas Alawson. 4no expedition leaves Capetown in October.