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Hokitika Guardian, 8 March 1930, Page 4

The almost immediate return of RearAdmiral Byrd and his expedition from Antarctica is an occasion for all-round congratulation to all those concerned in this memorable event. The party is due back to Dunedin about Monday or Tuesday, and it goes without saying the ships and crews will receive a memorable welcome. The Expedition has been remarkable for the amount of new ground it has broken in the class of exploration undertaken. The mechanical moans for transport with motors and tractors, the use of the flying machines, and the wonderful application of wireless not only as a

means of oommuntcation with the outside world, but of special importance as a means of directing and controlling sub expeditions, and gaining the readiest information ais to weather conditions and the movements of the relief ships, are ad new features which give the occasion a unique record. The. organisation of an expedition of such magnitude speaks well for the leader and Ids chief associate. The organisation appeared to lack nothing in the various emergencies which arose, a fact which speaks well for the thoroughness of the undertaking. A new era in Antarctic exploration has been opened. Another phase in respect to the success of the undertaking was the capabilities of all those charged with responsible work. Whether it was the operation of the relief ships in all kinds of difficult circumstances or in leading sub-expedi-tions, Rear Admiral Byrd bad with him most callable officers. They ventured into the unknown cheerfully, and full of confidence about their safe return. The operations of the expedition suggest that the care and attention to detail in organising the venture were continued in the same necessary application in the execution of the many difficult tasks which were set the exploring parties venturing out to special objectives. The full particulars of the achievements and the’records compiled are not available, but the account of special trips and difficult undertakings are known in the rough, and leave iin doubt as to the courage and ability with which the intrepid explorers vent about their self-imposed task. The dangers and difficulties are now all behind them, and in returning again to New Zealand they will be accorded

a reception worthy of the brave trisli they undertook. As far as can be gleaned the work of the expedition passed off most successfully. It was well ordered and disciplined. The leader lias proved himself an outstanding man, and lias justified liis selection for the great task lie undertook. To Rear-Admiral Byrd and all associated with him every credit and praise is due, for their work shows that whatever duty be added to (lie white man’s burden there are those of the race ready to take up the load and carry it unflinchingly.