THE WELLMAN ARCTIC EXPEDITION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8189, 24 July 1906, Page 5

THE WELLMAN ARCTIC EXPEDITION.

Received July 23, 0.30 a.m.

LONDON, July 22

The Wellmau Arctic expedition has established wireless onmtuumca< tion from a point within 600 miles of the Pole via Liammerfest (the jiortheruajosfc town of Euiope). The balloon house is now nearly cotnnleted, and the aerial expedition to the Pole will start in the middle of August. (It is generally admitted that if Mr Wellmau ever succeeds in reading the North Pole and in coming back safely to relate the full nariative of hia adventures and discoveries he will hava accomplished Bn exploit which will nave thrown past performances, in which cool courage and f-clentifio knowledge have been intermingled, far into the shade. The America is the name of the airship. It has a lifting power of no less than IG,0001b; the weight of the ship, its ma' ohinery and appliances being only half that amount, thus leaving a balance of B,oooib for crew and cargo. Unlike any previous airship, the America will carry 5,50U1b of petrol; sufficient fuel for a voyage of 1,800 miles, these calculations being based on the prevalence of calm. The total length of the car of the airship, which is constructed of wood, strengthened by steel, is wnile its width is 6ft. What may be described as the deck is divided into three sections, the centre portion being occupied by a basketwork cabin 12ft in length and 7ft high, which will be the living and sleeping quarters of all on board. The motor power of the airship consists of two motors, cne of 55 and the other of 25 horse-power. The first will drive the forward screw, which is 18>£ft in diameter, 280 turns per minute, while the latter drives the rear screw (1434 ft in diameter) 350 turns per minute. Either may be worked alone or both together. The larger one is calculated to give a speed of 12 mile.per hour, and both together 18 miles per hour).