Polar Dogs Saved

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 573, 28 January 1929, Page 1

Polar Dogs Saved

N.Z. SCIENTIST TO THE RESCUE BYRD SHOWS GRATITUDE Science in New Zealand has done its part toward ensuring the sue* cess of the Byrd Antarctic expedition, and the efforts of Professor Malcolm, cf Dunedin, in preserving the health of the dogs, are lauded by the Polar adventurers as “the greatest thing New Zealand has done for the expedition.” When the Byrd expedition arrived in New Zealand, it was discovered that, the food which had been prepared for the 85 dogs was not balanced, and the health of the animals was suffering severely. They were losing strength daily, and their efficiency was impaired as a result. Overtures were made to Professor Malcolm, professor of physiology at Otago University who has been conducting intense studies of meat meals for rh*» past two years and his specification was eventually adopted, and manufactured into biscuits for the dogs. Moreover, it was found that the dog biscuits which were brought from America were not true to specification, and were unsuitable for the canine constitution, and the difficulties of the party were accentuated. The assistance of a well known biscuit factory was enlisted, and overtime was worked while the expedition was waiting at Dunedin. Eventually the new food was prepared, and the diet of the dogs changed. On the way south the sick dogs became better, and Commander Byrd was so enthusiastic over the success of Professor Malcolm's accomplishments that hie wirelessed his gratitude, and ordered seven tons more of the food. In this way the Byrd expedition wan saved from serious inconvenience, and Possibly from grievous loss. As the dogs are the transport mainstay of tlie expedition, the preservation of their. health was as essential feature of progress toward the South Pole. Mr. R. Brophy. who is at present in Auckland meeting 15 extra dogs for the expedition, speaks highly of the assistance given by New Zealand to Uyrd and his colleagues, ar.d says it is ti e greatest thing the Dominion has done for the southern adventurers. Dr. Marsden. director of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. said it was a fortunate circumstance that Professor Malcolm should have been investigating meat meals for the past two years, and was able to balance the food for the dogs. His investigations were carried out in conjunction with the department, and with the assistance of Miss Irene Pope.