BYRD THANKS N.Z.

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 919, 12 March 1930, Page 7

BYRD THANKS N.Z.

“INESTIMABLE SERVICE” TO EXPEDITION FLAG FOR DOMINION Press Association DUNEDIN, Tuesday. The Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon. P. A. de „la Perrelle, as representing the Government, this afternoon extended a hearty welcome to Rear-Admiral Byrd and his men. The proceedings were broadcast by 4YA for the purpose of making as widespread as possible the communication of Rear-Admiral. Byrd’s thanks to the Government and people of New Zealand for all that had been done for them. •

Mr. de la Perrelle said that on behalf of the Government of New Zealand he wished to extend a cordial official welcome to the members of the party upon their return from their Polar explorations. In December, 1925, they left New Zealand, and for the last 15 months the Dominion, in common with the other countries of the world, had followed with keen interest Rear-Admiral Byrd’s deeds and those of his intrepid companions. New Zealand had the honour of bidding farewell to the expedition, and to it aiso had fallen the honour and pieasu of being the first to welcome it, and to acclaim its deeds. It, was intensely gratifying to know that their efforts had met with such complete success. This success, as the whole civilised world knew, culminated in the epoch-making flight over the South Pole. “In the matter of arranging and facilitating communication between the expedition and New Zealand, the Government has appreciated the opportunity of doing whatever was in its power to assist the expedition. During your stay in New Zealand on this occasion the citizens of the Dominion, through the Government, will afford the expedition the courtesies and facilities that are extended to other rlistiguished visitors to our shores, and in this connection desire to afford you free travel over our railways. “In conclusion, I wish to say once more that New Zealand is proud to welcome and congratulate you and the members of your expedition.” Rear-Admiral Byrd said in reply: “I am delighted at this opportunity to tell the Government of New Zealand, and through the Government the New Zealand people, of the inestimable service the Dominion has been to our expedition. As I said before I left New Zealand for the Antarctic, I had travel led all over, the United States, and everywhere I went I found on all sides, a hearty feSling of good fellowship for the people of New Zealand. “EXTRAORDINARY HOSPITALITY “And now J. am glad to be able to go back and tell my countrymen of the extraordinary hospitality that has been extended to our expedition, t did not anticipate that we would receive so much kindness from any people, and naturally my shipmates and myself find it impossible to express adequately our appreciation Should I attempt to enumerate the gracious and courteous actions of New Zealand toward this expedition it would take me a very long time in deed. But I would like to speak of a few of these things, which are typical of that universal friendship which has been given us.

“For example, the franking radio privilege has enabled us to carry on our important business without prohibitive cost. The extending of the franking privilege on the railroads to the members of the expedition is a kindness that few countries in all history have ever shown to nationals of another country. “When I learned today that the Ministerial coach had been turned over to the expedition, for the use of myself and staff, I realised that New Zealand was extending a friendly hand that we probably would have received in no other country. “Had you carried out* your regulations in connection with the passing of our Eskimo dogs through your country, it would have been impossible for us to have accomplished our mission, and I 'well realise, on account, of your great sheep industry, what a big concession this was, and how tolerant was the action of the New Zealand people. “The Harbour Boards in "Wellington and Dunedin have extended every possible courtesy, and have done as much as our people could possibly have done. “These are a few examples of the kindnesses that have been shown us, and it is only natural when we leave New Zealand its people will have our everlasting gratitude. I hope that it will not be our last visit, because, apart from the friendship we have received, it is certainly one of the garden spots of the world. We carried with us on the Polar flight the flag of New Zealand, alongside the American flag and we have brought this flag back, so that, if the people of New Zealand desire it., we can present it to the New Zealand Government. This was the flag that we. flew at the masthead as the City of New York sailed into Dunedin on Monday.” (Applause.)

LEISURE ON SHORE

MEN ENJOY LIFE DEPARTURE DAY NOT FIXED Press Association DUNEDIN, Tuesday. After the turmoils and uncertainties of the return journey from the j South Polar regions, it is not surpris- ; ing that the majority of the members i of the Byrd Antarctic Expedition today gave themselves up to tne enjoyment of the pleasures and luxuries of 1 the moment, giving no thought whatever to the vast amount of work that has to be done before the expedition’s vessels will be in sea-going trim against the long voyage back to t’e United States. For one day at least most of them were determined not to care or be troubled about anything except those things which were calculated to contribute to the personal comfort cf i dress and diet and pleasure, which had existed for them only in dreams for many months. Khaki and wool and flannel were discarded, heavy boots were thrown into sea chests, j and wool caps were tossed into the ! nearest corner, and everyone appeared on the streets, to make the most of their release from exile In the morning the leader of expedition formally returned the call

made on him on Monday afternoon by the chairman of the Otago Harbour Board, Mr .W. Gow, and he and his staff were later the guests of the board at luncheon. In the afternoon the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. P. A. de la Perrelle, formally welcomed the explorers on behalf of the New Zealand Government. Rear-Admiral Byrd has not yet made any definite plans with regard to the length of his stay in Dunedin. That will depend upon the work in- j volved in putting the ships in order j again.