IN ANTARCTICA

Hokitika Guardian, 21 October 1929, Page 5

IN ANTARCTICA

(By Russell Owen —Copyrighted 192 f. i by tlie fsew York Times Company, and S>t. Louis Post Dispatch. All j-ights for publication reserved throughout the world Wireless to /New Yoik limes.) RETURN FROM FIRST JOURNEY. (United Press Association—By Electric , Telegraph.—Copyright.) BAY OF WHALES, October 18. Proii'dssor Larry Gould and the members of his geological party, who had accompanied the supporting party for two days on the trail, returned last night to tlie Base, and with him there came Norman Vaughan, Eddie Goodale, Jack O’Brien, and Mike Thorne, who had dropped their loads where they can be picked up later and returned with light sledge. Carl Petersen, who had gone out to "test the radio set and radio directionfinder for use in connection with the plane later on, and Joo Rucker, who made “ movies ” of the trail work, also returned. They had perfect ewather during the three days, but they brought back word that the supporting party was having a hard time, because of the condition of the surface. It is in a state of transition, and has a hard crust, through which the sledge runners break to fhe granular and sandlike snow beneath. Over this snow traction is very difficult. As a result they will probably travel very slowly until there is warmer weather, It was down to zero' yesterday afternoon, and it has been hovering around zero this morning. Warmth makes the surface softer and the handling easier, While the dog teams are struggling over the surface, the aeroplanes are being rapidly put in condition. The engine of the Fairchild plane was started on the day that the teams left and it is being run again this morning for a final tuning. That plane—which was used so much last year and was in perfect condition when dug out this year from its snow hangar—is about ready to take the air whenever needed; but, of course, with a.blizzard likely to blow up any moment, it is not , probable that there will be. any flying yet awhile., ■i • The. sun smiles here, one moment, and an hour later there may be a howling wind and blinding drift; but it is good to hear the sound of the motor again.