LEAGUE OF MOTHERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 November 1939, Page 7

LEAGUE OF MOTHERS

FATHERS' NIGHT GATHERING AT CARTERTON. INTERESTING ADDRESS ON ANTARCTICA. (“Times-Age” Special.) The members of the Carterton League of Mothers made a special feature of their November meeting by holding it last evening at the Masonic Hall. Carterton, and inviting the fathers to attend. It was a happy thought and the gathering proved a decided success, there being a splendid attendance. The floral decorations in the hall were particularly beautiful, bowls of Iceland poppies, arum lilies and deep purple iris being effectively used. The president read a letter from Mrs Gibb Johnston in which she conveyed her best wishes for a successful gathering. Members were pleased to learn that she is recovering from her illness.

Mrs R. H. Every specially thanked Mr J. L. Harris for his kindness in conducting the choir during Mrs Johnston’s absence. During the evening the choir rendered several items, which were greatly appreciated. Mr Brian O’Brien, the speaker for the evening, was introduced by the president. His subject was “A Trip to Antarctica with the second Byrd Expedition." For this trip the “Jacob Rupert" was engaged, a ship of 8.500 tons, accompanied by the “Bear of Oakland,” which carried supplies and was an excellent ship. The ship was marvellously fitted up with the latest contrivances, possessing even a picture theatre, where films were screened two or three times a week. The dogs proved particularly interesting, the wolf hounds being descended from those used on the Shackleton Expedition. The Siberian dogs, which have white eyes, were most unfriendly, and extreme care had to be exercised to prevent them from fighting with the other dogs. Great was the surprise of members of the expedition, when, after leaving port they discovered three stowaways on board, one .being 24 years of age and the others under 20. The first introduction to the icebergs proved rather startling, one iceberg being 20 miles in length and several miles in width, while others were of huge dimensions. These icebergs were very beautiful, being delicately coloured in glorious shades of blue, pink and rainbow hues, while the colouring

from the sky was reflected in them. Marvellous, fantastic shapes were assumed by these huge masses of ice. On this expedition Guernsey cattle were taken in order to ascertain whether they would survive the rigorous climatic conditions in which case it was proposed to- substitute them for reindeer in the arctic regions. Mr O’Brien narrated the expedition’s experiences with the pack ice, and gave interesting accounts of several hairbreadth escapes they had from disaster. His description of the Bay of Whales with its perfect little ice harbour but with no land within hundreds of miles, exemplified the great difficulty attached to unloading and taking supplies across to Little America. However,, when the camp there was reached, they were able to switch on the electric light and found all the food, etc. there in perfect preservation, although it had been left five years previously. Potatoes. 17 years old. which had been dehydrated, were found to be most palatable. The telephone proved to be in splendid working order, batteries not having been re-charged. When buried under snow nothing seemed to perish or rust, there being no moisture. At Little America there was daylight continuously for 6 months, and at midnight the sun was twice as fierce as it is in New Zealand at mid-day, black sn6w-glasses having to be worn. Wonderful co-operation existed between members of the expedition. All ranks from the Commander himself downwards working practically till they dropped. Mr O’Brien said that unfortunately the time at his disposal did not permit of his giving anything like a comprehensive review of his experiences. Some most amusing anecdotes and observations by the speaker brought this interesting address to a conclusion. Mr Geo. Brown thanked Mr O'Brien on behalf of the assembled company for his instructive and interesting talk, the audience showing their appreciation by acclamation. Opportunity was taken by Mr Brown to thank the president for the pleasant entertainment provided. Mrs EYery then made a small presentation to Mr J. L. Harris in appreciation of his assistance with the choir. Mr Harris expressed his thanks and pleasure at being able to help Mrs Johnston. A letter from the Hataitai branch of the League of Mothers in connection with arrangements for the entertainment of Carterton members visiting the Exhibition was read by the president. The ipeeting closed with the singing cf the National Anthem after which a dainty supper was served.