BYRD EXPEDITION

Hokitika Guardian, 20 September 1933, Page 6

BYRD EXPEDITION

TWO SHIPS DUE TO SAIL FOR N.Z. FLOATING SUPPLY BASE. DUNEDIN, Sep. 20. The Byrd A itarctic Expedition II is to qtart for New Zealand -waters next .Monday, wliqn ,t\vo vessels, Bear of Oakland and Pacific Fir are ’to sail from Boston for Dunedin. The Pacific Fir has a carrying capacity of 8000 tons ancl was lent to the expedition. This vessel is to be used as a floating supply base, and if conditions are unsuitable for her to go to the TL rrier she will stay north of the ice pack ,and the Bear of Oakland, a wooden vessel, will be used to carry supplies from the floating base to the Barrier. To ensure that all necessities are landed at their destination, the Pacific Fir is to bring ICO dogs for use on the ice. Support in the form of gifts has again been, received by the expedition, and a large quantity of refrigerated stores arrived at Wellington a short time ago. Seventy men will comprise the personnel of the expedition, and in addition a large number of New Zealanders have volunteered' to go south. Many of these latter wish to remain with the ice party, and some have special qualifications which will probihlv eniitle th m to be chosen. Dunedin is fortunate in being chosen as the port of departure for two expeditions during the coming season, as it is found that there are large quantities of local supplies required. .. A big sum of money was spent here during the la.sj Byrd Expedition vi«t ancl no doubt the monetary gain will again be substantial. , > 1 ■