ELLSWORTH PLAN

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 215, 11 August 1937, Page 13

ELLSWORTH PLAN

FLIGHT OVER SOUTH POLE. Mr Lincoln Ellsworth, the -wealthy 56 year-old explorer, is completing final details.of a new aeroplane, in which lie plans a 2000-mile hop over the South Pole. His proj>o.sed route is from Enderby Land to Ross Sea.

Air Ellsworth, who recently said “I’ll not grow old while I keep oil exploring,” is at present in Switzerland examining new scientific instruments. His wife, who is in London, told the Daily Telegraph that Air Ellsworth glans to tollow the return route o f cott.

His supply ship, the Wya.tt Earp—named after one of America’s most colourful marshals, who cleaned up had towns such as Tombstone (Arizona) in the roaring- days—is refitting at Jiarzen, Norway. She will take on hoard two years’ stores. Air Ellsworth’s previous polar experience will largely influence ,the design of the ’plane, which will ho built in the United States. After exlia.ustive tests it will be shipped to Capetown, from which point the expedition plans to begin in August. Mrs Ellsworth will travel to Capetown with her husband, and will remain there during the expedition. She will not be lonely she says, as she will be in constant radio touch with the

party-. Before the actual polar flight Air Ellsworth plans a series of 400 to 500mile hops over Enderby Land, the interior of which 'has not yet been seen by man. Whether he will try to land at the South Pole depends on the weather. During the flight the ’plane will maintain an average lieiglit of 10.000 feet. Air Ellsworth will’return to London in October to receive the Royal Geographical Society’s gold medal, for previous explorations. Since the above message was published in London a message has been received in New Zealand that the Wyatt Earp is being acquired bv Sir Hilbert Wilkins for exploration work in Enderby Land.