Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-05-11
ByRD'S AIDES TELL
PAPEETE OF FEATS
Modest Story of Bravery in
Antarctic Exploits Is
UnfoIded.
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by ship since the land expedition set
out, the airplane had to descend with
in 200 feet of the surface.
Fifty miles to the south, the Queen
Maud range presented solid front
$4,000 feet in height guarding the way
to the Pole. To surmount this barrier
with an airplane heavily loaded as
this one was from a height of 400 feet
to an altitude of over $4,000 feet in so
short distance straight away flying
seemed impossible. To circle around to
gain altitude meant too great expendi-
ture of time and fuel; the calculations
had been too nicely exact.
There was a moments thought of re-
turning to the base. but that was dis
missed, it was decided to make the at
tempt by straight flying.
Balchen sighted pass between peaks
$4,000 feet high and made for it. AS
they neared the range, 1t seemed they
could not clear it. Then the order
was given to jettison cargo. Over went
food supplies, until half of what they
must depend upon for life should any
thing go wrong was thrown overheard
Gear Almost Scrapes.
The plane rose just enough to clear
ing the summit. And then through this
narrow passage winding amid giant
peaks, Balchen piloted the plane for
20 miles until the range was passed and
they were over the plateau with clear
flying to the South Pole. 1t was a feat
OF daring, iron nerve, surprising skill
and perfect Judgment which more than
merits the worldwide applause which
has been awarded 1t.
NOT so well known r,erhans is the
expedition led by Prof. Gould to within
280 miles of the South Pole, thence
eastward along the lofty Queen Maud
Mountains for ITS miles. It was a
journey Of $500 miles without the loss
of man and fruitful Of most valuable
scientific knowledge.
Gould was the first geologist to pene-
trate the Antarctic. His route south
followed that taken by Roald Amund-
sen on his sledge journey which car
ried him to the South Pole December
IA, 1911. To reach his objective Gould
had to travel over 500 miles OF the
surface of the Ross Barrier, which
overlies a deep gulf in the coast of
the Antarctic. The route was to the
eastward OF that followed by the Brit
iSh explorers Scott and Shackleton, but
over the same ice barrier.
Explores and Maps Eastward.
On arrival at this point of the coast
the purpose Of the expedition was to
explore, map and examine geologicaliy
the terrain to the eastward toward
King Edward Land The party also
was to plant caches along the route
from Little America on the coast Of
the Ross Barrier to the foot of the
Queen Maud range to supply the return
journey and as depots Of supplies for
Admiral Byrd's dash to the pole should
some accident compel forced landing.
When Gould and his party arrived
at the great mountain range they made
discovery which Gould said gave him
and every member of his expedition the
greatest thrill of their whole stay in
the Antarctic. 1t was the cairn erected
by Amundsen in repassing the noun
| tains on his return from the pole In
| 1t he had deposited the account, in
his own handwriting, of his discovery
Of the South Pole.
cherished possession the Byrd expedi-
ton Is bringing back with them It's
discovery has had profound emotional
influence ON every member of the ex-
petition and 1t is looked upon as sone-
thing sacred, to be spoken of with the
South Pole and edge of the Ross Bar
rier. 1t Is at point $50 miles from
the pole and 500 miles south of the
nearest open sea.
Both Balchen, who saw them from
the air, and Gould, who explored and
examined them geologically, told of the
scenic splendor of the queen Maud
Range. Gould said 1t was one of the
greatest mountain ranges In the world.
Mountains Rise Abruptly.
Other great mountain chains, such
as the Himalayas. the Rockies or the
Alps, he said, are to be approached only
| through foothills or along rising ground
until, when the high peaks are sighted,
+! the spectators point of observation Is
| so elevated that he sees that part Of
the mountains which is higher than
| where he stands.
The approach OF the Queen Maud
Mountains, on the contrary, Is over the
| surface Of the Ross barrier at an ele-
| walton above sea level of but 200 feet,
| thus the explorer sees this majestic
mountain mass, 5000 feet In height,