POLAR FLIGHT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 9 May 1925, Page 5

POLAR FLIGHT

MESSAGE FROM' THE PRAM (Ey Electric Telegraph.—Copyright,) (Australian A N.Z. Cable Association-) (Copyright.) 'LONDON, Mav 7. A message from the Amundsen ex.peiiitiou at Spitzberg on Thursday stated that the weather is good and flving prospects unchanged. There are 'low clouds with snow storms driving before the north wind. If there is no alteration during the day the meteorologists will advise -Amundsen not to start till Friday. ■' A wireless from the Train on the evening of the 6th was delayed owing to atmospheric disturbances. ' It states that the Pram and Hobby arrived on the north coast of Spitzbergen on Wednesday morning. "We have since pat rolled the coast, line to find the. best starting point, but it appears impossible to find level fjord ice for a start as the edge of the ice is packed. After failing to enter Kobbe Bay or Wellman’s Bay or force the ice north of Amsterdam . Island, the vessels entered the south channel between Dailies Island and the mainland of Spitzbergen, where there is a long stretch of sheltered open water. Amundsen has been advised of this and probably a. start will be made from the south channel where the planes will be fuelled, alongside the Hobby. Ice conditions are not- good, as northerly winds are sweeping tne drift ice southwards. Drift ice from King’s Bay lies northwards in a curve to Amsterdam Island threequarters of a mile from the shore. There is also sludge ice in the fjords, but not heavy enough to prevent manoeuvring the skips or prevent the starting or landing of planes. It is hopeless to attempt to force the tee northwards or eastwards of Amsterdam Island. After the Fram and Hobby left King’s Bay we expected to hear that the planes were ready to start, but under engine tests it was discovered that a new carburettor was necessary. To-day the Fram was without news as to when the planes would bo arriving. The temperature fell from minus twelve to minus fifteen centigrade. Visibility is bad owing to winds from the Tolar basin sweeping _..e cold air southwards towards the farmer open sea. There are clouds over the northern coast of Spitzbergen, but it is dear inland over the ice. Low pressure over Labrador is not- expected to affect flying during the first fortnight after the start, when the airmen may be expected back. The Fram and Ho'uuy are remaining together in the fairway of Danes Island. If visibility becomes worse the Hobby will proceed east, but not beyond Verlegenhook. If the planes do not return after fourteen days the Hcbbv will proceed eastward, if possible to North Cape, and patrol as near the ice edge as possible. The ships will await the airmen six weeks aiter the start. The Fram will be at King’s Bay from May 16th to 19th for boiler cleaning, when members of the expedition desiring can accompany the Fram in order to return home.

“The vessels late on Wednesday evening were moored at the edge of the ice in the south channel and as the weather jvns cloudy, with driving snow, the meteorologists telegraphed Amunsden advising him not to start on Thursday.'’