TO START ON FRIDAY

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 522, 27 November 1928, Page 16

TO START ON FRIDAY

BYRD’S DECISION FLIGHT BEFORE NEW YEAR Press Association DUNEDIN, Monday. At a conference with his officers to-night Commander Byrd decided that a start should be made for the Antarctic on Friday. The City of New York will leave with sufficient men, equipment and planes to sta,rt flying this year. The Eleanor Boling will follow as soon as possible, and return for the remainder of the men, equipment and supplies. The City of New York will take sufficient of everything to keep 25 men fed and employed through the winter. If the Eleanor Boling can get through the ice a second time, another 15 men Will be added to the winter personnel. The City of New York arrived off the heads unexpectedly yesterday afternoon. Commander Byrd and the aviation personnel arrived this morning from Christchurch, and the Eleanor Boling, which had gone to Wellington to take aboard the airplanes, also reached Dunedin this morning. The City of New York, after taking aboard the planes, stores and dogs, will leave direct for the Ross Sea on Friday. Commander Byrd will sail by the City of New York. It has been announced that Mr. Brophy, the business manager, has been appointed second in command of the expedition. In the expedition there are 17 men who went to the Arctic with Commander Byrd, while one of them, Mr. Martin Ronnie, was a member of Amundsen’s successful Antarctic expedition. THROUGH THE ICE “We greatly appreciate the courtesy and co-operation of the Otago Harbour Board,” said Commander Byrd to-day. “It has done everything possible and Mr. Tapley has also given every assistance. Our hardest task is to get ready in time to reach the ice, so as to go through it with the C. A. Larsen, which is a powerful ice-breaker.” The City of New York was docked on arrival to be scraped. She will be floated out of dock at 6 a.m. tomorrow and then taken to Dunedin. Every man connected with the expedition took part in the work of unloading heavy cases containing planes and provisions from the Eleanor Bol«ing, even the scientists donning overalls and assisting in the ship’s holds. A memento of Captain Scott will be carried by Commander Byrd. This is an engraved pen which was to have been presented to Captain Scott by the members of the Polar Legion, a small body of men connected with Polar research.