IN ANTARCTICA

Hokitika Guardian, 25 February 1930, Page 6

IN ANTARCTICA

MAWSON’S SHIP. [United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.] CANBERRA, February 23. A copyright radio from Sir Douglas Mawson dated February 18th states:— During the week, while tho Dis'covei j has been in Royal Sound, Kerguelen Island, to have her boilers chipped, '■radio communication has been limited a.s the only power available was ft small auxiliary motor, run for a short period daily. Now the full power lias .been restored, but we still are unable to establish free wireless touch with Australia. The same effect of sciceiling from the eastern localities uas experienced when we were here last, ■although the difficulty does not exist Jh few miles away from Kerguelen TsJlaiul. During the voyage Wireless Operator Williams has met many other curious irregularities in the radio distribution. For example, we have been within two thousand miles of the Byrd expedition on the opposite side of the Antarctic Continent, and yet we have never -been aide to communicate directly with it. Our coaling is now advanced, and the engine overhaul should he completed by February 21st. Meanwhile our scientific staff, though hampered by hurricane winds, have been busy ashore mapping and collecting. > A number of White Sa moved dogs, (in fine fettle, have been sighted. They ■are reported to he the descendant of the sledge dogs that were left hy the .Gauss Expedition of Kerguelen in 1902 They arc destructive of birds • and seals. MESSAGE TO ADMIRAL BYRD. FROM SIR JOSEPH WARD. . WELTNGTON; February 23. The following radiogram has been sent to Admiral Rvrd by Sir Joseph Ward: “On behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand, T wish fo express our real pleasure at the safe departure from Antarctica of yourself and the members of -your onedition. and our keen anticipation of receiving you again in this Dominion.”