BYRD’S SHIPS

Hokitika Guardian, 10 March 1930, Page 6

BYRD’S SHIPS

DUNEDIN’S UEC'EPTION PI IE-

PARING

3j Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

DUNEDIN, March 8

The latest advice from Admiral Byrd states that the ships “City of v New York” and “Eleanor Bolling” are due here to-morrow afternoon. The official party of welcome, consisting of Hon. Mr de la- Perrelle, the Mayor (Mr R. 8. Black) and the Chairman and members of the Otago Harbour Board, will proceed to the Heads in the tug Dunedin to meet the expedition ships. On their arrival at Dunedin, official calls will he exchanged between Admiral Byrd, the Mayor, the Chairman of the Harbour Board, and Commander Hotliam of HALS. “ Laburnum.” In the evening a civic reception will he tendered in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall. Other official functions will follow on Tuesday.

The following message to Admiral Byrd and the members of the jxjjiition was broadcast from Station 4 Z.C.” on Saturday night by the At-torney-General (Sir Tbos. Sidey), on behalf of the Government: 1 L have the authority of the Prime Minister fo extend, on behalf of the Govt 1 tmont, to yourself and the members of the expedition a very cordial welcome back to New Zealand, and very hearty congratulations on the success which crowned your effort. We rejoice that your venturesome undertaking has been carried out without loss of life, and with little or no sickness. This bears eloquent testimony to the skill and care with which your expeditiq;i has been organised. Although to your own country you bung primarily the honour and glory of vour achievement, the work vhich you have accomplished is one in the benefit of which the whole world scores. You and your intrepid adventurers will take their place among those who, by their courage and resourcefulness, have added materially to the -sum of human knowledge. The full results of you labours have yet to be made known, but that they will |,o of great value in relation to a portion of the globe about which comparatively little is known, there can he no doubt. We are pleased to welcome you back to our country. We trust you will have a pleasant sojourn amongst us, and we wish you a safe and triumphant return to your native land.”

Word was subsequently received from Hear Admiral li.vrd initmating i lint the message Jiad been distinctly received by him.

THE ADVANCE GUARD

APR] VE ON WHALER.

TNVERCAROILL, March 9

Seven members of Admiral Byrd’s "Expedition to the South Pole returned to civilisation yesterday by the Norwegian .whaler, “C. A. Larsen.” Ibis small party, all of whom were looking fit and well after their long sojourn in the frozen south, is the vanguard of the complete expedition now nearing New Zealand in the “ Eleanor llolling” and the “ City of New York.”

Five of the party proceeded iniineditelv to Dunedin, to be in time to record the arrival of the principal party. Among the seven were Captain Ashley C. McKinley, aerial surveyor, who accompanied Admiral Byrd on his fight to the Pole, and Mr Pussell Owen, representing the “New York Times,” whose name has been prominent before the public of New Zealand as the chronicler of events in the far south.

When approached, the party nas very reticent, and explained that i’ e entire events of the Expedition were under strict eon v nght 1 ° the “ New York Times.” All seemed to be cx'ceedinglv pleased that tbier long period of isolation had ended.