rm tMJtWsmmw A NEWS BULLETIN

p u b l i s h e d q u a r t e r l y b y t h e NEW ZEALAND ANTARCTIC SOCIETY (INC)

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AN EMPEROR PENGUIN LEADS ITS CHICKS ALONG THE ICE AT CAPE CROZIER, ROSS ISLAND. THE EIGHTH CONSULTATIVE MEETING OF THE ANTARCTIC TREATY NATIONS IN OSLO HAS RECOMMENDED THAT THE CAPE CROZIER LAND AREA WHERE THE ADELIE PENGUINS NEST, AND THE ADJACENT FAST ICE WHERE THE EMPEROR PENGUINS BREED ANNUALLY SHOULD BE DESIG NATED A SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST. Photo: R. C. Kingsbury.

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7 9 t h I S S U E !September, 1975

Editor: J. M. CAFFIN, 35 Chepstow Avenue, Christchurch 5. Address all contributions, enquiries, etc.. to the Editor.

CONTENTS

ARTICLES BRIGHT HORIZON 203-205 BOAT VOYAGE RELIC 221-223 STUDY OF KRILL 217-218 POLAR ACTIVITIES NEW ZEALAND 196-202, 210, 228 UNITED KINGDOM 209-210 UNITED STATES 206-208 SOVIET UNION 211 SOUTH AFRICA 212-213 INDIA 224 GENERAL ANTARCTIC TREATY 214-216 WHALING COMMISSION 219-220 THE READER WRITES 226 ANTARCTIC BOOKSHELF 229-230

Antarctic mineral and natural resources have been discussed at international meetings in recent months. In London the International Whaling Commission agreed on important new measures for the rational management and conservation of whale stocks. In Oslo representatives of the 12 Antarctic Treaty nations recognised the need to protect Antarctica's environment from the effects of exploita tion of its mineral resources, and the marine resources of the surrounding waters, and for international consideration of the problem. But in Rome an informal international consultation, convened by the Food and Agriculture Organisation, was chiefly concerned with ways to facilitate the eventual commercial exploitation of Antarctic krill. The meeting did acknowledge the need to look at the Antarctic marine ecosystem as a whole. ANTARCTIC September, 1975 NEW ZEALAND PART IN DRILLING PROJECT One major international project—drilling through the annual sea ice into the bed of McMurdo Sound—is included in New Zealand's Antarctic research programme for 1975-76. This operation is the final stage of the Dry Valley Drilling Project, a three-year programme developed by scientific organisations of the United States, Japan, and New Zealand.

This season New Zealand has been invited to participate in the meteorolog ical programme at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. A meteorological team will conduct routine upper air and surface observation programmes at the station. One member, Mr B. V. Maguire. will bc the first New Zealander to winter at the Pole next year. Because of restricted support by United States Navy Hercules aircraft, New Zealand field projects this season have been limited to those within heli copter range. But the 1975-76 programme is at a similar level to last year's. Emphasis has been given to the contin uance of atmospheric and earth sciences projects at Scott Base, the operation of Vanda Station for summer only, and 32 other events. These include field activit ies, international programmes, and short- B. V. MAGUIRE term projects. Later the Antarctic Division, Depart AIRCRAFT SALVAGE ment of Scientific and Industrial Re New Zealanders will be involved this search, will provide experienced season with a United States team in one mechanics to work on the repairs to of the most difficult projects ever the two aircraft so they can be flown to attempted in Antarctica—the recovery McMurdo Station. of two Hercules ski-equinped aircraft Since the Dry Valley Drilling Project damaged in take-off accidents on January began New Zealand has been responsible 15 near Dome C, an ice dome in Wilkes for all drilling operations needed. Last 'Sm Land. A salvage camp nnd skiway will season the last stage of the project— be built at Dome C, which is between drilling through the ice into the seabed the main French base, Dumont d'Urville, —had to be abandoned because winter and the Soviet station, Vostok, and is storms and high tides in McMurdo about 756 m

This season there will bc a Royal I. D. McLeod (25), Christchurch. New Zealand Air Force leader at Scott Cook. He is a cook in the R.N.Z.A.F Base for the first time. He is Flight at Wigram. Lieutenant II. D. Raynham, a 36-year- old Englishman, who is an operations C. S. Chapman (27), New Plymouth. officer at R.N.Z.A.F. Base. Wigram. Field assistant. Christchurch. The Navy and Army have B. J. ScanncII (22), Wellington. Post provided leaders in past seasons, but master. there has been no Air Force officer in charge since the 1957-58 season when A. J. Dawrant (24), Christchurch. Wing Commander J. R. Claydon acted Senior radio technician. He wintered at while Sir Edmund Hillary was in the Scott Base in 1973. field. Ten men have been selected to winter at Scott Base through 1976 under the leadership of Flight Lieutenant Rayn ham. They include a cook and a fitter- mechanic from the R.N.Z.A.F. This time six arc from the South Island, and five from the North Island. Their ages range from 22 to 42. Flight Lieutenant Raynham served as a transport pilot in the Royal Air Force for 12 years. He was awarded the Air Force Cross while based at Aden. After he left the R.A.F. he spent a year flying for the Sheikh of Abu Dhabi, and then was a contract pilot for three years in the Air Force of the Sultanate of Oman. Members of the winter party are E. G. R. Ramsbntham (42), Atiamnri Base engineer. Fie is station clcctricbn at Atiamuri for the New Zealand Electricity Department. C. G. Mills (23), Auckland. Tech nician. He is an electronics technician HAMISH RAYNHAM from the University of Auckland C. B. Davis (22), Wanganui. Tech nician. He is a Post Office technician A 25-year-old Australian surveyor, Mr I. E. Patcrson, has been appointed R. A. Jones (24), Gore. Technician He is a scientific officer at the University information officer for the Antarctic of Otago. Division, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. He gained a J. R. Thomson (23), Tcmuka. Fitter- Bachelor of Surveying degree with mechanic. He joined the R.N.Z.A.F. in honours at the University of New South 1970 and is an engine filter at Wigram. Wales. A. MacGibbon (23), Christchurch. Mr Paterson worked recently for the Fitter-mechanic. He is a soldier in the Mount Cook National Park Board. He New Zealand Army. is a keen mountaineer. WmmfflIroiMtlMn j September, 1975 Field projects for summer New Zealand meteorologists will work at the South Pole this season. They arc members of the support staff of more than 130 men—and eight women—who will carry out the Antarctic research programme in the 1975-76 season. Research will be conducted by scientists from four New Zealand universities, the Ministry of Works, the Physics and Engineering Laboratory, the Meteorological Service, and the Antarctic Division, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. The programme will include guest scientists from two countries, and men and women from Ens.and, Wales, Canada, and Australia.

These men and women will work at Vanda Station, in the Wright Valley, or from Scott Base, Vanda Station, and which has been a summer station since Cape Bird, in the dry valleys of Victoria 1970, was occupied in the winter of Land, and in McMurdo Sound. New 1974. It was used for summer operations Zealanders will work with the Ameri only last season. This season it will meet cans at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole the needs of field parties working in the Station, on a joint upper atmosphere dry valleys, and the station staff will programme at Siple Station, and in the carry out programmes of meteorology, recovery of two damaged Hercules geomagnetism, hydrology, and geo aircraft from Wilkes Land. chemistry. There will be a woman meteorologist. Twelve men and one woman will Miss Edith Farkas, at Scott Base this work at Scott Base during the summer. summer. Two biologists, Misses They will continue the research pro grammes, which include meteorology, Elspelh Wingham and Corinna .lamin, will work with the University of Canter geomagnetism, ionospheric physics, and seismology. Research will also bc con bury party at Cape Bird, and Misses ducted at Arrival Heights into Vicky Cameron and Debbie Teale, will geomagnetism and the aurora. study the parasitology of Weddell seals with the University of Otago biology team. SCOTT BASE W. B. MacDonald, Wakapuaka. A Welsh geologist. Dr Susan West, Deputy leader. He is a plumber in the will take part in the collection of Nelson district, and has had mountain geological samples from the dry valleys eering experience as a member of the a n d M c M u r d o S o u n d . T h e o t h e r New Zealand Alpine Club. In 1969 he collector for the Canterbury Museum was a member of the snowcraft training will be its geologist, Mrs Margaret team at Scott Base. Bradshaw. B. L. Doughtv, Wanganui. Mainten ance officer-carpenter. One of the main field events will bc M. D. Bird, Trentham. Storekeeper. a regional study by a party of four M. J. W. Otway, Waihi. Assistant from the Geological Survey of the un maintenance officer. mapped southern Royal Society Range. G. S. R. Eames, Lake Ohau. Assistant The aim will be to investigate the maintenance officer. apparent change from low to high grade N. D. Peat, Dunedin. Information meta-sediments of the Skelton Glacier officer. group. A further aim will be to study R. B. Stark, Christchurch. Chief radio the McMurdo volcanics on both sides technician. of the Koettlitz Glacier. B. J. Potter, Foxton. Radio technician. September, 1975

Miss Edith Farkas, Wellington. Meteorological Service. Upper air and Meteorologist. surface observation programmes at R. L. Park, Christchurch. Senior Post South Pole Station. B. V. Maguire Office lineman. (winter), R. D. Stainer (summer). J. C. Francis, Christchurch. Skilled Institute of Nuclear Sciences. Con lineman. tinuation of monitoring programme by M. D. Lee, Christchurch. Senior Post technical stall at Scott Base to determine Office clerk. increase in carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere. J. M. Reinke, Kaikoura. Post Office clerk. Commonwealth Scientific and Indus trial Research Organisation, Australia. VANDA STATION Collection of air samples from aircraft flying to and in the Antarctic for the H. P. Lowe, Gore. Leader. He was C.S.I.R.O. Data collected will help to leader at Vanda in the 1969-70 season, describe vertical and horizontal distribu and field leader at Scott Base in the tion of carbon dioxide. 1972-73 season. Antarctic Division. Continuation of P. R. Braggin.s, Masterton. Technician. annual population study of the Weddell P. Ingram, Wellington. Meteorologist. seal in the McMurdo Sound area, S. J. Woods, Geraldine. Field assistant. including an isolated group near White University projects arc outlined else Island. Population study of Adelie where. Other projects and the partici penguins at Cape Royds will also bc pants are: continued. Ministry of Works and Antarctic Snowcraft and survival training for Division. Glaciology and hydrology in United States and New Zealand staff. the dry valley area. T. J. Chinn, leader; B. J. Chalmers; D. R. .!. McNulty, M. P. W. Mason, G. R. Craig, hydrologists; J. Wcndon, R. A. Strong, field assistants. S. C. Chatwin, field assistant; W. F. Wicks and J. F. Williams, surveyors. Bright orange timber cargons contain Geological Survey. Regional study of ing first-aid and survival equipment will the unmapped southern Royal Society be installed at the refuge huts at Cape Range and study of McMurdo volcanics Royds, Cape Evans, Cape Bird and Lake in Koettlitz Glacier area. Drs D. N. Vanda, and in the Asgaard Range and B. Skinner (leader and B. C. Waterhouse, the lower Wright Valley. geologists; G. G. Brehaut (field leader) Experienced field and mechanical staff and K. R. Sullivan, field assistant. will assist the United States team to Dry Valley Drilling Project. J. Hoff recover two Hercules aircraft damaged man and L. W. J. Oliver, drilling in Wilkes Land. E. J. Saxby, field leader, superintendents; J. H. Gupwcll, M. W. D. M. King, field assistant. Williams, J. W. Barclay, drilling super visors; J. R. Oldridge, T. R. Quiglcy, A geologist, Dr Susan West, will assist shift bosses; N. J. Stephenson, T. the Canterbury Museum's geologist, Mrs Griffith, drillers; D. F. C. Murray, M. M. Bradshaw, to collect geological R. Wing, J. M. Mechan, D. J. Dickson, samples from the dry valleys and W. J. Champion, drillers' assistants; O. McMurdo Sound for a future display R. Lloyd, cook; M. A. MacLeod, camp in the museum's Antarctic centre. assistant. Antarctic Division and Victoria Physics and Engineering Laboratory. University of Wellington. Physiological Continuation of upper atmosphere pro and psychological studies of winter team gramme with United States at Siple at Scott Base. Professor A. J. W. Taylor, Station. E. W. Stringer, J. Dyer, M. I. professor of clinical psychology, Vic T. Savage. toria University of Wellington. September, 1975 ANTARCTIC Four universities involved $mm in N.Z. field projects Field work in the dry valleys west of Scott Base, and studies of the sediments in the bed of McMurdo Sound, are included in the projects which will be carried out by university scientists during the New Zealand Antarctic research programme this summer. Four universities—Waikato, Victoria, Canterbury, and Otago—will contribute teams to this season's programme, and field parties will study glacial deposits in the dry valleys, the parasitology of the Weddell seal, and marine and fresh-water eco systems. Some scientists will take part in United States projects, others will be involved in the international Dry Valley Drilling Project.

This summer the seven members of The other three members of the Victoria University's 20th expedition expedition will bc working with will investigate the early history of the Japanese and United States scientists Antarctic ice sheet. as part of the Dry Valley Drilling A party of four, Paul Robinson, Project. This final season, which follows three spent drilling on land geology graduate student and leader, John Collcn, senior lecturer, and Alan around McMurdo Sound, the project Palmer and Alan Eggers, third-year will bc coring 300m or more into the floor of the sound itself. geology students, will map and sample ancient glacial moraines in Taylor Dr Peter Barrett, director of Victoria Valley, one of the ice-free valleys 100km University's Antarctic Research Centre, west of Scott Base. The classic U-shape is project geologist for the season. Miss of the valley and the moraine plastered Kathcrine Sillars, a geology graduate on the valley floor indicate that Taylor student, will help to describe the core and sample for laboratory analyses. Valley was eroded by glaciers in the Paul Froggatt, a third-year geology past, and once formed an important out let for ice from the East Antarctic ice student, will determine sonic velocities sheet, although the Taylor Glacier on the core. This is to enable the extends less than a quarter of the way sequences to be more precisely corre down the 50km long valley. lated with the seismic profiles across the sound obtained last summer by ICE ADVANCE Victoria University and Northern Illinois University physicists. The party will also spend a month studying terraces on Black Island and NATURAL GAS Brown Peninsula 50km south of Scott Base to determine whether they arc of One aim of the drilling is to core glacial or marine origin. Samples from through the glacial sequence and reach the terrace surfaces are expected to the sedimentary layers that formed the yield microfossils from which the age of floor of McMurdo Sound before there the terrace can be estimated. Whatever was ice on East Antarctica. Sea floor the origin of the terraces, the ages drilling by the Glomar Challenger 400 will be useful in establishing a chrono km to the east showed that West logy for sea level changes and glacial Antarctica ice first reached sea level advance and retreat in the McMurdo about 25 million years ago, and the Sound region over the last five million present project in McMurdo Sound is years. expected to reveal when the East September, 1975

Antarctic ice sheet began calving into Professor J. A. R. Miles, professor of the Ross Sea. microbiology at Otago University, is involved in the project because he has The Glomar Challenger drilling also made similar studies in tropical areas. revealed traces of natural gas in the Comparisons are being made between sediments beneath the Ross Sea. Similar the isolated groups in Antarctica and traces may bc encountered during the those in the tropics. McMurdo Sound drilling, but significant amounts are not expected. Once again the University of Canter bury biological unit will work from An Otago University biology team led the field station at Cape Bird on Ross by Dr D. W. Featherston will study the Island. It will continue the study of the host-parasite relationship in Antarctic dynamics of near-shore marine and animals with special reference to Wed freshwater eco-systcms. dell seals. The other members of the team are Misses A. V. Cameron and D. An American zoologist, Dr D. S. M. Tcale. Horning, who has worked on the sub- Antarctic islands south of New Zealand, The main objective is to begin a will lead the party. Mr P. Sagar is going research programme which will investi south for the fourth time, and the other gate various marine and terrestrial hosts members of the team arc Mr R. C. R. with a view to compiling life cycles of Tustian, and Misses Elspeth Wingham helminth parasites as well as examining and Corinna Jamin. the response elicited in the host by the presence of the parasite.

THIRD VISIT PHILATELIC Dr Featherston will be returning to the Antarctic for the third time. He MAIL bcg.m his study of the intestinal para sites which infect Weddell seals in the Philatelic mail will still be cancelled 1951-62 season at Cape Royds as a at the South Pole although there is now member of the University of Canterbury no military post office at the Amunsdcn- biological research unit led by Dr Scott South Pole Station. The civilian Bernard Stonehouse. In 1962-63 he firm which took over operation and returned to continue his research. management control of the station from the United States Navy on November Six scientists from Waikato University 3 last year, will provide postal cancella will continue geomorphological research tion services. in the dry valleys. The emphasis will be on the study of ice cored moraines. Dr Collectors will bc limited to two T. R. Healy will lead the party, and covers a person this year. South Pole the others are Messrs J. Mabbutt, J. Station cachets will be affixed to covers Shaw, N. Rogers, D. Cowan, and G. only when time and work permit. Covers Spiers. should he addressed to Philatelic Mail Clerk, South Pole Station, c/o F.P.O., A joint New Zealand and United San Francisco, 96692. States microbiological study of the resistance to infection of isolated groups All covers addressed to the South working in the Antarctic will be con Pole Station will be forwarded by the tinued this season. It is an Oklahoma United States Navy Post Office at Medical School-Otago University project McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Philatel in which the Scott Base and South Pole ists who want covers cancelled at Station winter parties are participating. McMurdo Station should address them The project was begun last season, and to Philatelic Mail Clerk, United States is expected to continue for at least two Naval Support Force, Antarctica, F.P.O., more years. San Francisco, 96692. September, 1975 ANTARCTIC

BRIGHT HORIZON Sun and spring flights end winter parties' isolation Fresh fruit and veaetables, and letters from home, marked the arrival of spring in Antarctica this month for the winter parties at McMurdo Station and Scott Base. The first sign of spring and the end of isolation for 11 New Zealanders. 53 Americans, and one Russian was the return of the sun towards the end of last month. But thev still had to endure low temperatures and bad weather before two United States Navy Hercules aircraft restored the link with civilisation broken more than six months

Seventeen Americans at the Amundsen- directional beam antenna. Late in July Scott South Pole Station 825 miles to the the use of strainers in the fuel season south also celebrated the return of the had to be abandoned because the fuel sun last month after the coldest winter was too cold and thick to flow through for 17 years. But they will have to wait them. another two months for their signs of One of the rmu'n tasks in June was to remove several tons of ice from the. spring. Temperatures at the Pole will have to rise to minus 50dcg Fahrenheit utih'dor floor. When the snow melter pump cracked because of the low temp- before aircraft return after a break of nrnfnrf wntpr SCCDCd l'ntO the buildUIgS, nearly nine months. and covered the floor to a Hr-ntv, 0f three This year the winter was a testing time to four inches. About 90001b of ice for the new Pole Station and the civilian had to bc taken out of the utilidor in scientists and support staff who manned tornneratures which ranged from minus it. Living conditions in the complex of 90de« F to minus 102deg on June 13. buildings under the geodesic dome were Mid-winter's Day was celebrated on more comfortable than those in the old June 21 with the aid of some Russian station, but the men had to cope with vodka obtained from Vostok Station heating, lighting, and plumbing problems last summer, and carefully hoarded for week after week. Most of these were the occasion. Then the men prepared for minor, and were the result of operating the hard month. Julv 14 gave them a new mechanical systems and equipment respite from the intense cold with a for the first time in temperatures which Icmncraturc of onlv minus 52dcg, but rarely rose above minus 90deg Fahren three days later it drooped to minus heit. 98deg. and there was more ice to clear because the snow melter pump had FROZEN PIPES been leaking badly again.

In the last three months each weekly T H I C K F U E L report noted frozen pipe-lines, cracked pump fittings, and interruptions in the Tn the third week of July the ther running of the generators upon which mometer recorded minus 102deg on July the men relied for heat and light in the 22—the day the diesel fuel was too thick winter darkness. Water which leaked to flow through the strainers. July 25 from the snow melter pipe rapidly was observed as Hundredth Day because turned to ice, diesel fuel in the storage the men had 100 days more at the Pole area froze, and also the rotator on a to complete a full year. Turkey and wine ANTARCTIC September, 1975

were on the table, and also the remain thickness of the sea ice in McMurdo ing Fourth of July punch from Mid Sound each week. On June 25 he and winter's Day. To finish off the meal two other men journeyed over the ice one man opened his jar of gourmet from Hut Point towards Turtle Rock, popcorn (described as the world's most taking ice cores every 2000yds. They expensive popcorn). reached a point opposite Castle Rock, July was also the month in which and spent the night there in tents. Larry Duckctt, the world's southernmost Stronger winds next day delayed their cook, responded to the mild complaint return. The ice was 38 to 43 inches two months earlier that his pretzels thick along their route. needed coarser salt. He presented his fellow exiles with what was described By the end of the month the station as one of their biggest challenges—a cooks had no more fresh carrots left. The last cases of oranges, grapefruit, huge cream puff filled and covered with vanilla ice cream, strawberries, choco and apples were no longer fit to eat. late sauce, whipped cream, chopped Supplies of onions were maintained by exchanging potatoes for them with the walnuts, and topped with a solitary New Zealand neighbours at Scott Base. cherry. Early in July a small amount of "blue" sky was observed for the first HINT OF SUN time since the winter night began. There In the second week of August the was more light every day, but the weather was extremely clear. The station weather was no warmer. July 24 was report noted that those with an active the coldest day of the season. South* imagination could see an extremely faint west winds pumped cold air over Ross glow on the horizon. Winter's reply to Island, and the temperature dropped to a hint of the returning sun was a minus 38deg Celsius. temperature of minus lOOdg on August 15. Then on August 20 the drainage COLDEST DAY system piping for the whole station was blocked for 24 hours because of ice Towards the end of the month an capping on the sewer outfall and sev American and New Zealand party eral feet of pipe. started flagging and coring the route across McMurdo Sound to Marble Point With the sun on its way back the in preparation for the transport of drill Jole team apparently developed a touch of it. That seems the only explanation ing equipment for the Dry Valley Drill ing Project. After covering five miles for a late night party sliding down the (he party had to abandon the trip eodesic dome. There was a full moon because there was not enough light. and a dark, velvety blue horizon, and Three miles out the ice was 58 inches the chill factor—minus 120deg—was thick. considered reasonable. Storms, high winds, and several inches The last day of July was the coldest of snow were the lot of the men at for at least two years, a temperature of McMurdo Station towards the end of minus 48deg being recorded at 4.45 a.m. June. Between June 22 and 27 the wind, Then on August 3 the record low temp erature of August, 1956, was equalled averaged 54 miles an hour, and there was one gust of 61 miles an hour. Nearly at 6.45 a.m. The drop to minus 57deg five inches of snow fell. caused many fuel lines to freeze because water droplets froze in the fuel. Many pipes burst, and there was flooding, BUSY SCIENTIST mainly in the galley area. One of the busiest men at the station Although there was an ever-brighten during the winter was the Russian ing glow on the northern horizon, the exchange scientist, who measured the cold spell did not end until August 6. September, 1975 ANTARCTIC

Winds averaging more than 40 miles an Daylight but not sunlight was the hour were recorded on August 9 with story in July. Jim Newman, the officer a gust of more than 45 miles an hour. in charge, reported in his monthly On August 12 Dr Barkov headed newsletter that winter's total darkness another American and New Zealand had been replaced by about four hours party on a trip across the sea ice towards of twilight in the middle of the day. Butter Point. They covered 11 miles, With more light the New Zealanders spent the night of August 13 on the ice, began outdoor activities. Dogs and and continued their journey on August sledges were taken out on the ice shelf and the sea ice. Nearly all the base staff OPEN WATER went out with the dogs on runs of five to six miles. The exercise had a twofold Open water was discovered about 20 purpose—to make the dogs fit for the miles from McMurdo Station. About 14 summer season, and restore the men's miles out very thin ice (12in thick) was fitness after winter without much exer encountered all the way to the ice shelf. cise. Everyone had to run to keep warm From the ice shelf towards Butter Point because the temperature was usually the ice became progressively thinner. It minus 35deg Celsius. appeared that two of the proposed July 29 was the coldest day for five DVDP drilling sites were open water, months, the temperature dropping to and sea fog suggested the same was minus 46dcg Celsius. But worse was to true for the other two sites. come. Early on the morning of August Snow and gusty winds marked the 4 the temperature dropped to minus second week of August. The long- 56.1 deg Celsius—the lowest recorded for awaited sunrise was observed on August the winter. 23, and the weather was comparatively All the heated waste water outlets warmer, but there was no glimpse of froze solid. When a gas torch was taken the sun. Although the almanac indicated to them it gave out only a dull, yellow that the sun rose for the first time on flame and no heat. No vehicles could August 20, this could not be verified be driven because the steering gear froze, because of strong winds and reduced and they could not bc manoeuvred. visibility. If the temperature had dropped HUSKIES WELL anolher 0.9deg it would have been the lowest ever recorded since 1957. Scott Base had its share of low Temperatures of minus 40dcg were temperatures and bad weather during common in the weeks that followed. the winter, but the small New Zealand community, and the animal population, SUN APPEARS had few problems. There are about 20 Although the sun made a brief huskies at the base, including several appearance above the Ross Sea horizon pups born this ' winter. They came in the third week of August, the men through the winter well. Only Apolotok at Scott Base did not see it. The only needed minor repairs after fighting for indication of its return was its reflection the attention of a lady. on the snow of the Royal Society range, Scientific programmes, base mainten south-west of the base. Hopes of seeing ance, and the overhaul of equipment, the sun were high later in the week, kept the New Zealanders busy in June. but were dashed by a 70-milc-an-hour The weather for the first two weeks was southerly gale which restricted visibility good. High winds and drifting snow to 3ft and confined the men to the base. created some problems in the last fort Early this month the men at Scott night. Mid-winter's Day was a welcome Base were happier. The sun was appear and international occasion because the ing for about six hours each day, and official guests were Lieutenant Schultz, temperatures were rising slowly. Mail, the officer in charge at McMurdo fresh fruit and vegetables, had arrived, Station, and the Soviet exchange and home did not seem so far away scientist, Dr Barkov. after six months of isolation. September, 1975 McMurdo Sound flights start ILS. operations Preparations for the United States Antarctic research programme for the 1975-76 season began early this month when two ski-equipped Hercules aircraft made the first flights of spring to end the winter isolation of 53 Americans. 11 New Zealanders. and one Russian exchange scientist, on Ross Island. The aircraft brought mail, fresh fruit, and vegetables to the men who have been remote from the outside world since late February. In five flights United States Navy continuing project is the study of the VXE6 Squadron aircraft carried 55181b resistance to infection of isolated of mail, just over 22 tons of cargo, groups working in the Antarctic—the including 30001b of food, and 147 winter parties at McMurdo Station and passengers south. They brought back the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, two Americans and one New Zealander Fresh food does not last all winter of the winter parties. in the Antarctic, and what the men Among the passengers were scientists on Ross Hand looked forward to more who will make an early start on summer than anything except mail from home research projects, and technicians, was fruit. The Americans at McMurdo netcorologists, equipment operators, Station asked for their apples to be mechanics, construction workers, and "red, delicious, and large," and the air traffic controllers. Three drillers, New Zealanders had a craving for Messrs L. Oliver, M. Williams and J. cheese. The apples and cheese were Mcchan, were the first New Zealanders sent, and the American consignment to flv south for the new season. Thev included 301b of New Zealand kiwi will prepare equipment for the Dry fruit (Chinese gooseberries), yoghurt, Valley Drilling Project which will tinned oysters, and—for the cooks— involve drilling from the McMurdo salad dressing and garlic. Sound sea ice to the basement rock There was one unusual item among in the seabed. the parcels for Scott Base—about Si00 Because the winter party at McMurdo worth of contraceptive pills. They were Station this year was smaller than in requested by the dog handler, Mr lohn previous seasons more men were flown Stevens. He has looked after the base south this month to assist in the pre- huskies all winter, and the pills arc paration of the Williams Field ice needed to maintain selective breeding runway for the major airlift by Star- among the dogs. lifters and Hercules aircraft which will After the first excitement of mail and take summer support and scientific the new arrivals, the men at McMurdo staffs south, starting next month. Bad Station began the task of preparing weather and low temperatures delayed roads and runways for the influx of work on the field camp on the ice l<-.st summer residents. Between October 8 month. and December 16, aircraft will make Six projects in the summer research 40 flights south with men, equipment, programme will bc resumed by 30 and supplies. Most of the flights will scientists this month. They will work be made by United States Air Force on the Dry Valley Drilling and Ross Starlifters of the Military Airlift Ice Shelf Projects, cosmic ray measure- Command. They will bc supported by ments, studies of the resistance to the Royal New Zealand Air Force, freezing of Antarctic fishes, and the which will make seven flights with its development of soft bottom marine life Hercules aircraft towards the end of in the McMurdo Sound area. Another November. September, 1975 ANTARCTIC RESTRICTED AIR SUPPORT OF U.S. RESEARCH PROJECTS United States Antarctic research projects this season will be restricted to areas that can be supported by helicopter ilights from McMurdo Station. Summer field parties will not be supported by Hercules ski- equipped aircraft of the United Slates Navy's VXE6 Squadron.

Last season five Hercules aircraft States, and will bc fitted to the damaged were available to support the scientific aircraft so it can bc flown to McMurdo effort. But on January 15 two were Station, and finally to the United States for a complete overhaul. damaged in takc-olT accidents on the Polar Plateau 750 miles from McMurdo Three-quarters of the entire wing Station. The three remaining aircraft assembly of the more seriously damaged will bc fully employed ferrying men Hercules will be replaced, and two new and materials between Christchurch engines mounted. This aircraft was and McMurdo Station, and on supply damaged when it flew to Dome C to .flights to the Amundsen-Scott South pick up a party of French, American, Pole Station, and Siple Station at the and Russian scientists. The second foot of the Sentinel Mountains in aircraft picked up the passengers and Ellcsworth Land. crew, and was taking off when the nose ski collapsed. A major operation this season by New Zealanders will take part in the the National Science Foundal;on and .■recovery operations. The Antarctic the Navy's Antarctic support force will Division, Department of Scientific and bc the recovery of the two damaged Industrial Research, will p«ovide about aircraft. They arc near Dome C, an »12 mechanics, engineers, and field ice dome in Wilkes Land on ihe line assistants experienced in snow and ice between the French base, Dumont conditions, to assist ihe salvage opera D'Urville, and the Soviet station, tion. Vostok. There is another Hercules aircraft in A repair crew of 25 men will bc Wilkes Land. It was abandoned nearly flown from McMurdo Station to the four years ago because it was badly accident site at the end of November, damaged on December 4, 1971, when and, working from a field camp, it will taking off from the ice-cap. To deter have about 60 days to repair the aircraft mine the feasibility of salvaging the before the weather becomes too cold aircraft a French party may make a to continue work. A landing strip will traverse to the accident Site, 150 miles have to be built, and also a workshop from Carrefour, a small advance base and shelter for the repair crew. Every 25 miles inland from Dumont d'Urville. thing needed for the operation will have to be flown to the site from McMurdo A mug found in Scott's hut at Cape Station. Evans has come to rest aboard the 1901-1904 expedition's ship, Discovery, Top priority will be given to the recovery of the aircraft with the nose now moored at Victoria Embankment ski section which was damaged v/hen in the Thames. How the mug came to it collapsed on take-off, but work on be removed from the hut is not known; both aircraft will be done at the same it was returned to Rear-Admiral H. time. A complete lower nose rection, Hollins, R.N.. late last year by Master including the landing gear assembly, Chief Petty Officer W. Wccsncr, United has been fabricated in the United States Navy. ANTARCTIC September, 1975 Pine Island Bay survey deferred

There are no immediate plans for the ice for the first time. Aboard were an operating facility for ships and officers of the National Science Founda aircraft in the Pine Island Bay area off tion and the United States Geological the Walgreen Coast of Ellsworth Land. Survey. A survey was made last summer, but Air and ground surveys revealed two any decision by the United Stales partially ice-free islands and adjacent National Science Foundation will areas. But the results disclosed by the depend on the results of a second survey were not as encouraging as at investigation, probably in the 1976-77 first thought. There will be no survey season, to determine whether the area this season, and a final decision depends is suitable for long-term development. on the second investigation in the Suggestions that the establishment of 1976-77 season. an operating facility at Pine Island Bay would reduce the importance of McMurdo Station, and Christchurch, the main departure point for United Wilson's South States Antarctic operations, have been discounted by Mr Walter Scclig, inter national co-ordinator in the National Pole diary Science Foundation's Office of Polar Maori motifs on the title page of Programmes. He said in Washington Edward Wilson's South Pole diary last month that the United States has suggested that it might have been given a multi-million-dollar interest in to bim in Christchurch by one of the McMurdo Station, which will always New Zealand doctors with whom he have prime importance. Christchurch became friendly a the time of the will continue to be the main departure Discovery expedition (Letter from point for operations. It would cost James Pigg to "Antarctic". March, 1973, millions to establish anything in Pine page 332). Island Bay, and finance is not available The correspondent pointed out that now. the South Pole diary was written in a Interest in the Pine Island Bay area "Wcllcome's Medical Diary and Visiting began several years ago when satellite List". The medical diary was of a kind photographs disclosed an unusual ice- produced by medical supply firms for free patch of water between the coast use by doctors. and the 20-mile wide belt of Bel Because of the Maori motifs the lingshausen Sea pack ice. Aerial suggestion was made that the Wcll photographs later revealed a group of come's diary may have been produced islands at the entrance to the bay. for the use of New Zealand doctors. It was suggested that the area might But an exhibition held in London bc suitable for ships or aircraft, possibly recently provided what is probably the as a means of supplying Siple Station, correct explanation. 300 miles away at the base of the In the Wellcome Trust's exhibition Sentinel Mountains in Ellsworth Land. devoted to its history and the work of At present Siple Station is supplied by its founder, Sir Henry Wellcome, were Hercules aircraft flying from McMurdo medical packs prepared for Scott's last Station 1000 miles away. expedition by the pharmaceutical firm A proposed survey by the icebreaker of Burroughs and Wellcome. Probably Staten Island had to be cancelled in the packs included diaries, and the the 1973-74 season because of delay Maori motifs could have been used and heavy ice in the area. Last season because of the expedition's association the icebreaker Burton Island penetrated with New Zealand. September, 1975

BRITISH SURVEY NEWS Argentine Islands base may be closed after many years Substantial reductions in the British Antarctic Survey's budget may cause it to close another base as an economy measure. The feasibility of moving geophysical research from the Argentine Islands base to the proposed new base on Adelaide Island would enable B.A.S. to close Argentine Islands, first established in 1947 as Base F of the Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey.

Stonington Island in Marqucrite Bay huts will bc occupied again during the was closed at the end of the 1974-75 1975-76 summer, including the glacio summer after 21 years of occupation. logical hut at Spartan Glacier, This season Fossil Bluff, the small ad Alexander Island, and the biological hut vance base in George VI Sound, will on Bird Island at the north-west extrem be closed for winter use. But so far, in ity of South Georgia. The latter is par spite of financial stringencies, all re ticularly important as a centre for work search programmes at the five main on the southern fur seal. bases have been maintained. Sea ice has been more solid and Very careful organisation will be reliable this winter than in recent years, needed, however, to make provision for so men at island stations, particularly the special programmes planned for the Signy Island and the Argentine Islands, International Magnetosphere Study in have been able to undertake a number 1977-78. In addition to the investigation of journeys. Several parties from of gravity waves in the ionosphere, from Signy Island crossed Normanna Strait the bases in the Antarctic Peninsula to visit Coronation Island. area ("Antarctic," June, 1975), a major VLF project is being planned in co A party from Adelaide Island also operation with Sheffield University. This travelled overland to Rothera Point, 40 would involve setting up an unmanned miles to the north-east, which is the station on the Polar Plateau inland proposed new base site. It inspected a from Halley Bay. depot which had been left there. The Five main bases are occupied at air unit will be transferred to Rothera present by 79 men of the wintering Point in the coming season, and the parties. The bases are Adelaide Island rest of the present base will follow in and the Argentine Islands on the west 1976-77. coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, Halley Bay, on the south-east coast of the Weddell Sea, Signy Island in the South EARLY HISTORY Orkney Islands, and South Georgia. A The Argentine Islands where there Sixth, Fossil Bluff, is also occupied. has been a British base since 1957 arc about 180 in number, and lie some five SUMMER PLANS miles off the west coast of Graham Land. They were discovered by Dr J. All bases were reported at the end B. Charcot during his 1903-05 ex of last month to be maintaining routine pedition in Le Francais. He named them programmes, and preparing for summer in appreciation of the help he had re field work to come. A number of field ceived frcm the Argentine Government. September, 1975

Three of the larger islands (Skua, until materials for a small but comfort Winter and Galindez) comprise the able hut arrived later in the season. It was named Wordie House after Sir group where the base is situated. Here the British Graham Land expedition James Wordie, of Shackleton's Endur of 1934-37 built a hut on a sheltered ance expedition. Base F, as it was then called, re spit of Winter Island, close to a tiny cove where the expedition's ship mained in existence on the site until Penola, was moored for the winter. 1954. Then, early in the year, a new base was erected on Marina Point, There is no record of any visitors to Galindez Island. the Argentine Islands between 1936 and February, 1942, when a ship of the PILOT HONOURED Argentine Navy called to leave marks of sovereignty. These were found by Flight Lieutenant B. Conchie, who Surgeon Commander E. W. Bingham, served with the British Antarctic Survey leader of the Falkland Islands Depen for six years, and recently returned to dencies Survey when he called on the Royal Air Force as an instructor, February 19, 1946 in the Trepassey to was awarded the Air Force Cross in inspect the hut. the Queen's Birthday Honours. Notable In 1946 the hut was in good condition. among his Antarctic exploits was a flight Almost a year later a party from the across the continent last season from Trepassey called at the Argentine Adelaide Island to McMurdo Station. Island to establish a base. The old hut He flew by way of Siple and Byrd had completely disappeared. Signs sug Stations on November 15, and returned gested that it had been washed away by on December 29 to Adelaide Island by a tidal wave. way of the South Pole. F.I.D.S. decided to build a new base One of the two B.A.S. Twin Otter on the same site. A few men were left aircraft was used for the flight. It was ashore on January 8, 1947, and using used for support work in a United timber landed for general use, they Stales-British glaciological project on built a small shed in which they lived the Ross Ice Shell. Psychological research laboratory A psychological and psycho-physical Professor Taylor has made a study laboratory will be established at Scott of 93 New Zealanders in the Antarctic. Base, probably this season. The labora His paper, "The Adaptation of New tory will be used to continue the studies Zealand Research Staff in Antarctica," of the psychological effects of isolation was published in "Polar Human on men who winter in the Antarctic, Biology." which have been made for the last eight years. Recently the New Zealand Medical Research Council made a grant of $8850 Since 1967 Professor A. J. W. Taylor, to Professor Taylor and Professor R. A. professor of clinical psychology at M. Gregson, of the psychology depart Victoria University of Wellington, has ment, University of Canterbury, who has made annual visits to Scott Base. He been associated in the isolation studies, questions and observes the winter party for their research. The grant will enable for Scott Base before the men go south, other research scientists from either and after their six months and a half university to be associated with the isolation. More data is obtained after project, and to make short visits tr the men have been home one mor.th, Antarctica by arrangement with the and again after 12 months. Antarctic Division, Department of In five successive years from 1967 Scientific and Industrial Research. September, 1975 ANTARCTIC

SOVIET NEWS Filchner ice shelf station major project this season Establishment of a new station—Druzhnaya—on the northern edge of the Filchner Ice Shelf, will be one of the major projects of the 21st Soviet Antarctic Expedition this season. This will be the seventh coastal station established by the U.S.S.R. The sixth, Russkaya, at Cape Burks, on the Hobbs Coast of Marie Byrd Land, was established in the 1972-73

According to an announcement from inland station, Vostok. Moscow by Tass, the Soviet news agency, Dr Yevgenny Korotkevich, deputy the new station will have a staff of 50. director of the Arctic and Antarctic Its main purpose will bc to prospect for Research Institute in Leningrad, who minerals, and its work, which will was leader of the 17th Soviet Antarctic extend over a five-year period, will Expedition, and did the research on cover an area from the Antarctic Penin the ice cores, says it became clear that sula to Queen Maud Land. A team of climatic changes in Antarctica had geologists, geophysicists, and carto occurred simultaneously with similar graphers, led by a veteran Antarctic changes in the Northern Hemisphere. scientist, Garik Grikuroz, will establish This inference was confirmed bv the the station, the Soviet Union's first in data from analysis of a core taken the Weddell Sea area. through the Greenland ice cap. Soviet interest in the mineral resour The shiinkinc of icebergs and pack ces of the region in which scientists ice in the Antarctic during the summer will work from Druzhnaya is indicated months is not produced solely by sun in the announcement of plans for the light and warm currents. A Soviet new station. scientist, Victor Buinitsky, who has "The eastern part of the region has worked at Mirny for several seasons, many common features with South has another theory. America, the south is reminiscent of In a paper published recently Buinit !'•> the ore-bearing zones of Siberia, while sky says that the. icebergs and pack are the west is a continuation of the literally eaten away by myriads of tiny, American (sic) mountains, famous for single-celled "seaweeds" of more than their deposits of non-ferrous minerals. 100 species, which live and flourish on The most extensive region of the and beneath the ice, surviving the bitter Continental Shelf in Antarctica, a est cold. Thawing of the ice releases potential natural storehouse of oil and nutrient "soup," which is capable of gas extends across the Weddell Sea, sustaining many simple forms of life. and the Filchner Ice Shelf." ARTIFICIAL AURORA CLIMATE CHANGE Soviet and French scientists working Antarctica's climate has undergone no in the sub-Antarctic and the Arctic, significant change in the last 15,000 have created an artificial Aurora years, according to a report in the Borealis, which lasted several minutes. "Soviet Weekly" earlier this year. This The "Northern Lights" were produced conclusion has been reached after an by the discharge of electrons from analysis of ice cores obtained from Soviet-built miniature accelerator install varying depths down to 520 metres in ed in a French rocket launched from the drilling programme at the Soviet Kerguelen Island. September, 1975

SANAE REPORT Helicopter support planned for remote field parties After nearly 15 years South Africa has abandoned traditional field expeditions and winter parties at small inland bases for the conduct of its earth sciences programme from Sanae Base. This year will mark the last of the field trips and wintering at Grunehogna or Borga bases. Earth sciences programmes have now There were no spectacular events been suspended for two years. The during the winter, and the depression of present programmes have been com darkness soon lifted when the sun made pleted, and because South African its first appearance again on July 23. National Antarctic Expeditions will have At the end of last month preparations a new shin with helicopter support, it were being made for a field trip into was considered wise to start afresh on the mountains to replenish stocks at new programmes. From the summer of several depots. 1978 geologists, surveyors, geophysicists, and glaciologists, will be flown to the HUT DEMOLISHED mountain ranges south of Sanae Base Meteorological work on Marion where surveys will be made. Then they Island, one of South Africa's two sub- will return to South Africa to process Antarctic islands, ran smoothly until their data and samples. winter arrived. The first catastrophe During the 14 years that South Africa occurred late in June when the balloon has had an active earth sciences pro hut was virtually demolished as the gramme the research has been directed result of a hydrogen-filled balloon ex by the South African Geological Survey. ploding in a meteorologist's hand. A All the field work has been carried out spark from static electricity caused the from cither of two winter bases in the explosion. Fortunately the meteorologist mountains of the Ahlmann Ridge range, escaped with light injuries. and the Borga Massif. These are A temporary hut was erected by the Grunehogna, 215km from Sanae, and weather team, and the balloon launch Borga, 380km from Sanae. ings were continued sporadically. The These two bases have made it pos relief ship RSA will bring a team from sible for parties of four to six men to the Department of Public Works to spend the winter near where they work build a new upper air section and in spring and summer. This has also balloon hut. obviated the need to travel long dis- Plumbers, not builders, were needed slances before starting work. at the end of July. A message from the HIGH WINDS island reported that the water pipes Winter at Sanae Base brought much supplying the base had frozen. Water 'ower temperatures and high winds in had to bc carried in buckets from a storms that lasted up to 11 days. The nearby pond (200 metres away) across sun departed on May 21, leaving the really soggy marsh. base in soft twilight to await the dark months again. Mid-winter's Day was GOUGH ISLAND celebrated in traditional fashion on Six men on Gough Island, another June 21, and the whole team enjoyed the sub-Antarctic island 200 miles south feast programme arranged by the rec of Tristan da Cunha, will end their reation committee. winter isolation next month when the ^H

VKi September, 1975 ANTARCTIC

21st team arrives from Cape Town. The During one of these storms in June new team began its training on Sep the landing stage was washed away. This tember 8, and the relief expedition will landing stage, which is an alternative leave for the island on October 2. way of getting on to the island if. the crane is out of order, is about 30 Except for several storms which raged metres above sea level. over the island in June and July, the Mr Bester, who left the island because men experienced a rather quiet winter. of the fur seal migration, will resume Their numbers were reducd from eight his studies for the Mammal Research to six because the leader, Mr A. Institute of the University of Pretoria Prclorius, became ill, and Mr M. N. next month, and this time will have an Bestcr, who had been studying the fur assistant. He will be able to make a seal population, both returned to South more detailed study of the breeding Africa. They were passengers on cray colonics along the south coast as he will fishing vessels which operate in the have a dinghy with outboard motors. Goiiiih Island area. I ho South African Navy will brief and train Irm in the safe handling of the During ihe winter storms heavy rains dinghy before the 21st expedition caused mountain streams to turn into leaves. turbulent rivers. The base is on the When Mr Bester returns to South eastern side of the island, and is pro Africa in May next year it will mark tected from heavy westerly storms at the end of the one-year research pro- sea. But when the wind swings round gramme of study of the Kerguelen fur to the south or south-east for a couple •■■I. Tf it is found desirable to con of days, massive swells smash against the tinue or to expand the programme, vertical black basalt cliffs to contribute further authorisation will have to be to the slow process of erosion of the obtained because Gough Island is a island. British possession.

Antarctic conservation trophy The Antarctic Conservation Trophy has been awarded this year to Mr Eric R. Gibbs, of Taihape, for his work in the restoration of the historic huts on Ross Island between 1960 and 1965. Mr Gibbs is a

The award was announced this month from the Antarctic Society who took by Mr J. M. Caffin, chairman of the part in the restoration of Scott's hut Canterbury branch of the Antarctic at Cape Evans, and Shackleton's hut at Society. The branch has made three Cape Royds for the Antarctic Division previous awards of the trophy—a 17in under the leadership of the late Mr L. carving of an Emperor penguin in B. Quartermain. African walnut. The trophy is awarded In 1963-64 Mr Gibbs returned as to any person or organisation contribut leader of another Antarctic Society party ing to the conservation of historic of three men to clean up and restore buildings or flora and fauna in the the older hut at Hut Point used as a Antarctic or sub-Antarctic islands. store and a theatre by Scott's Discovery Mr Gibbs has had a life-long interest expedition of 1902-1904. Mr Gibbs went in Antarctica, and has an outstanding back again in the 1964-65 summer with collection of Antarctic stamps and one companion to complete the covers. He first went south in December, structural strengthening of the hut. 1960, as one of the unpaid volunteers

%■ I *Tra4j5y> ' '. - ?. " I 17 I ?5' -'^'•'fVV ftWfc* £JT^ .•it ANTARCTIC September, 1975 MAN'S IMPACT ON ANTARCTICA Man's impact on the Antarctic environment is still the chief concern of the 12 nations which signed the Antarctic Treaty in 1959. Nearly all the recommendations adopted by the eighth consultative meeting of representatives of the treaty nations held in Oslo from June 9 to 20 were designed to protect the environment from the possible effects of explora tion and exploitation of Antarctica's mineral resources, and the marine living resources of the oceans surrounding the continent.

All the countries represented at Oslo considered by the meeting in the light opposed any exploitation of Antarctica. of possible commercial exploitation. It But they acknowledged that it held agreed on the inadequacy of information resources which the world might demand about stocks of marine resources, and eventually. Therefore their representa the need to develop a good scientific tives urged that States and individuals foundation for appropriate conservation should refrain from any commercial measures. exploration and exploitation of these The meeting recommended the initia resources until the effects on Antarctica's tion or expansion in Antarctic scientific unique environment, and othei programmes of detailed studies of the ecosystems dependent on it, have been biology, distribution, bio-mass and studied more closely. population dynamics, and the ecology of Available scientific information on the marine living resources. Studies which environmental effects of mineral explora could lead to effective conservation tion and/or exploitation in the Antarctic measures were also recommended. has been inadequately studied. Also the Antarctic geological structure has not New Zealand suggested to the meeting been sufficiently investigated. that the decline of the whale demonstrat The meeting recommended, therefore, ed the need for effective conservation that a special preparatory meeting measures for other living resources. It should be held in Paris next year to warned that the Antarctic krill, a small discuss all aspects of Antarctic resources shrimplike crustacean, could suffer the —and the question of mineral explora fate of the whale if not protected. Krill tion and exploitation—in relation to the exists in huge quantities in Antarctic Antarctic Treaty. waters, and is the biggest source of animal protein left in the world today. MARINE RESOURCES S.C.A.R., the Special Committee on S.C.A.R. was urged in the meeting's Antarctic Research, should be invited recommendation to continue its scientific to make an assessment of the probable work on marine resources. A meeting of all interested parties to discuss pre impact on the environment of the treaty sent work, and report on scientific study area, and other ecosystems dependent on it. To obtain fundamental scientific and conservation programmes will be data on the geological structure of held in the United States next year as a Antarctica S.C.A.R. should continue to preliminary to the ninth consultative co-ordinate national geological and meeting. geophysical research programmes in the area. NUCLEAR WASTE Protection and rational use of Concern that the Antarctic environment Antarctica's marine living resources were and the surrounding oceans and September, 1975 ANTARCTIC atmosphere should not become contamin designating the sites become effective ated by radioactive waste was expressed they will bc considered as guidelines. by the Australian representative. He The meeting suggested that the prelim said that Australia would firmly oppose inary period for the designation of such any move to permit the disposal or sites should be until June 30, 1981. storage of radioactive waste in the Antarctic ice sheet. So that experience can be gathered of the practical effect of management plans New Zealand and other representatives for sample sites, the meeting recom associated themselves with the Australian mended that treaty nations voluntarily statement. This emphasised that the take account of plans for seven sites— suggested isolation of radioactive wastes three on Ross Island, one in Victoria from the biosphere by burial in the ice Land, two in the South Shetland Islands, sheet was expressly forbidden by the and one off the Queen Mary Coast. Antarctic Treaty. Safe disposal of radioactive waste in PENGUIN COLONY the ice sheet cannot be guaranteed on the basis of existing knowledge. In this Cape Royds on Ross Island has been regard the statement referred to a resolu designated because it supports the most tion of the last meeting of S.C.A.R., southerly Adelie penguin colony known, and the views of scientific experts who the survival of which is marginal. It is met in Britain in September, 1974, to considered important to continue the consider the disposal or storage of population dynamics study begun by radioactive waste in Antarctica. New Zealand scientists in 1960, at least The meeting recommended to its until the population has recovered to its estimated normal level before 1956. governments that they continue to exert appropriate efforts to ensure that no-one Arrival Heights on Hut Point Penin disposes of nuclear waste in the sula, Ross Island, is a site for New Antarctic Treaty area. Zealand upper atmosphere investigations associated with auroral and geomagnetic SPECIAL AREAS studies. The area is an electromag- Previous consultative meetings have nctically and "nalurs-l quiet site" which is ideal for the use of sensitive agreed on measures for the conservation of Antarctic fauna and flora, and have instruments to record minute signals in recommended that the treaty nations the upper atmosphere programmes. designate specially protected areas. The Barwick Valley in Victoria Land is Oslo meeting reviewed the present list, one of the least disturbed and contamin adding to it Litchfield Island, off the Antarctic Peninsula and removing Cape ated of the environmentally unique dry Crozier on Ross Island, Bycrs Peninsula valleys. The site is important as a reference base against which to measure on Livingston Island, and Fildes Penin sula on King George Island, both in changes in comparable ecosystems of the other dry valleys where scientific the South Shetlands. research has been conducted for the There is a need to protect scientific last 10 years. investigations in Antarctica which might suffer from wilful or accidental inter Cape Crozier includes the land areas ference. The meeting therefore decided where the Adelie penguins nest, and the to recommend the designation of sites adjacent fast ice where the Emperor of special scientific interest, which may penguins breed annually. The penguin require long-term protection from harm colonics are the subject of long-term ful interference. studies of population dynamics and Management plans have been prepared social behaviour, and are relatively for certain sites of special scientific accessible by air from McMurdo interest. Until the recommendations Station and Scott Base. ANTARCTIC September, 1975

UNIQUE FOSSILS Representatives decided to recommend to their governments that they endeavour Two areas on Fildes Peninsula, King to ensure that all those who enter the ieorgc Island, in the South Shetlands, contain unique fossil ichnolitcs, which Antarctic Treaty area, sponsored or not are located close to two permanent sponsored, are aware of the rules for :ientific stations which have been the conduct of visitors. All organisers visited frequently by tourist groups. The of tourist groups should bc requested, areas also contain representative except in an emergency, to visit only those Antarctic stations for which sequences of Tertiary strata. The main permission has been sought and granted, "bject of the research programme is to escribe the Tertiary stratigraphic and to land only in areas of special tourist interest. sequences, and to understand the geological evolution of this part of the Antarctic Peninsula. TOURIST GROUPS The Bycrs Peninsula site on Living stone Island in the South Shetlands Another recommendation suggests that when treaty nations allow tourist comprises four areas of sedimentary and fossiliferous strata. Fossils found groups to visit their Antarctic stations, there provide evidence of the former they should require the organisers to link between Antarctica and the other report their activities in the treaty area. Reports to be passed on to the next southern continents. A long-term consultative meeting should include the palacontological research programme has number of tourists on each cruise, and been in progress since 1964, and it is the places and dates at which landings important to protect these Jurassic and were made in the treaty area, and the Cretaceous rocks from being used as number of persons landed on each building materials or as souvenirs. occasion. A non-commercial international air BREEDING PLACE transport system for the Antarctic Treaty area was suggested by the United Haswell Island is the largest of a States at the seventh consultative meet group of islands lying close to the Soviet ing in 1972. The purpose was to provide station, Mirny. It is an exceptionally greater co-operation and flexibility in prolific and representative breeding research. locality for all the species of birds which occur in this part of the Antarctic— Since then S.C.A.R. has considered five species of petrel (Proccllariiformes), the potential benefits of a co-operative one species of skua (Catharacta skua), air transport system. The Oslo meeting and one species of penguin (Pygoscelis recommended that S.C.A.R. should be adeliac). The site provides exceptional asked to review the available transport opportunities for research, and needs resources and the potential require protection because it is close to a large ments of a co-operative system, and Antarctic station. inform the treaty nations of its decision. Administrators of Antarctic expeditions Because tourists and persons not should be asked to review their sponsored by the treaty nations are scientific programmes in relation to a visiting the Antarctic Treaty area in co-operative system, and inform S.C.A.R. increasing numbers, the meeting agreed that the natural development of tourism Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs, required regulation. Representatives Mr Knut Frydenlund, formally opened considered it was necessary to restrict the meeting in Oslo. The Norwegian the number of places where large representative, Dr Edvard Hambro, numbers of tourists may land to avoid Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was elected increasing interference with ecological chairman. systems. September, 1975 More nations plan study of Antarctic krill Growing international interest in the commercial exploitation of Antarctic krill emphasises New Zealand's warning to the eighth consultative meeting of the Antarctic Treaty nations that this small, shrimplike crustacean needs adequate conservation and proper fisheries management if it is not to suffer the fate of the whale. Japan and the Soviet Union, which have been engaged in krill research for several years, plan to expand their present trawling operations; West Germany and Norway will begin research this year, and Chile has shown interest. Krill is the biggest source of animal whichwhich lasted lasted from from NovemberNovember toto March. protein left in the world today. It is so SurveysSurveys were were conductedconducted untiluntil February rich in protein that some regard it as thisthis year, year, and and the the reportedreported catchcatch target the best yet untapped food source for waswas 1200 1200 tonnes. tonnes. AA private Japanese mankind. Something is needed to fill the fishing company also sent a trawler to gap left by the reduction of the world's thethe AntarcticAntarctic lastlast year.year. ItsIts catch target harvest of fish in recent years because waswas 1700 1700 tonnes. tonnes. of overfishing and pollution. .. , f ., • r .. , . , ... b * M o s t o f t h e i nMost f o r ofm a the t i o information n a b o u about t k r krill i l l According to Russian estimates krill, researchresearch and and marketing marketing appears appears inin tcch-tech thc natural food of baleen whales and nicalnical publications, publications, and and therethere havehave been other marine life such as seals, pen- fewfew detailed detailed reports of Russian and guins, and seabirds, could produce an JapaneseJapanese activities activities in in the the Antarctic.Antarctic. The annual catch of 100 million tonnes a latest latest developments, developments, however, however, are year. The United Nations Food and revealedrevealed in in a a recently-released recently-released report Agriculture Organisation has estimated ofof an an informalinformal internationalinternational consultation that, if sensibly fished, krill could yield convenedconvened byby thethe FoodFood and Agriculture" Agriculture' 50 to 70 million tonnes a year—theOrganisation Organisation in in Rome Rome last last year. year. equivalent of the present world fish Australia, Denmark, West Germany, catch. Janan Nnrwnv Japan, Snain Norway, Spain, Rn'i^n Britain, *U* the United States, and the Soviet Union FIRST RESEARCH were represented. First to investigate the commercial potential of krill was the Soviet Union. BETTER METHODS It began research in 1962, and sent its Japan and the Soviet Union intend to first ship (Akadcmik Kripovich) south continue their exploratory and experi to fish for krill in 1964. Since 1970 it mental operations. They will extend has marketed krill products. Last year's their fishing area, using larger trawls, catch was estimated at 200,000 tonnes installing more sophisticated electronic compared with 646 tonnes caught by equipment, and employing improved the Japanese. fishing methods. West Germany will Japan began krill research in 1972 begin krill research in November this when the Government-sponsored Marine year, using two 2000-ton trawlers, and Resources Research Centre sent a Norway plans to send one vessel south. chartered trawler on an Antarctic cruise. Nations represented at the consultation The expedition returned with more than have agreed to provide F.A.O. with 600 tonnes of krill for further research. information on their activities to Another expedition went south in increase knowledge of krill resources, 1973, and a third in the 1974-75 season, and to facilitate eventual commercial September, 1975 exploitation. Details will be given of pany which chartered its trawler to the future work plans, such as cruise plans, Marine Resources Research Centre has research programmes, and development developed various new food products proposals. Also F.A.O. will approach from krill which it is promoting. They government institutions, United Nations include krill-mixed dumplings, meat bodies, and international research bodies balls, tempura, and the frozen cooked to obtain relevant information. blocks. Now at least five companies are The Soviet Union has had the best competing to be first on the market with fishing results in the Ross and Weddell new products. Krill has been tested as Seas, using trawlers of 3500 to 4000 a liquid protein flavouring, and as a tons. In 1973-74 Japanese boats, usually protein concentrate. of 1500 tons, found large concentrations of krill off Queen Maud Land. Hourly Most of the discussion of krill's com catch rates during experimental fishing mercial potential has been related to have been one to 10 tonnes, and the the improvement of detection and fishinj methods to increase catches and reduce highest total production for a season so far has been limited to a few thousand costs, bui last year's meeting did agrei tonnes. The best fishing has been from that study of krill resources and be November to May. Apparent fluctuations haviour might benefit by co-ordination in numbers are thought to be caused by with other research programmes in the shoal formation and distribution rather Antarctic such as those proposed by the than actual abundance. International Whaling Commission. Also it was recognised that there was a need to look at the Antarctic marine eco COST OF CATCH system as a whole. Russian trawlers have relied mainly on Such programmes would need an visual observation of shoals. Both fleets internationally co-ordinated research to date have used nothing but standard effort. Support might be enlisted from electronic detection equipment, although the United Nations funding agencies Japan is planning to instal sonar on because of the long-range possibilities of its vessels. Norway plans to improve substantially expanding food supplies detection by the study of light reflection. through exploitation of the various liv Because of the need to use special ing marine resources of the Antarctic. processing ships, the length of voyages to the Antarctic, and the short season, krill products have a comparatively NEW PROBLEMS high unit value, with the exception of meal manufactured from press cakes in Exploitation of Antarctica's living the Russian process. Japanese krill marine resources to expand food catches are valued at $500 to $600 a supplies could produce new ecological tonne and prices for krill paste in the problems. Krill are the food of baleen Soviet Union are comparable. whales, and also of seals, penguins, al The Soviet Union produces a protein batrosses, terns, petrels, and numerous paste from krill for human consumption species of fish and squid. Many of these by pressing the krill, heating the body depend almost entirely on krill for food. liquids obtained to coagulate the pro Nobody knows yet bow catches of 50 tein, separating this from the liquid, to 70 million tonnes annually would and freezing it in moulds. The product affect the ecological balance in Antarctic which is 13 to 20 per cent protein is waters. sold at SI.25 a pound. Krill butter and cheese spreads are also marketed. Sources: "Australian Fisheries," June and August 1975; The Singular Krill. By Patti Horgan. "New York Times NEW PRODUCTS Magazine," March 9, 1975. Food and In Japan krill has been boiled and Agriculture Organisation Report No. marketed in frozen blocks. The com 153. September, 1975 ANTARCTIC WHALING COMMISSION REDUCES CATCH FOR ALL OCEANS

Although the International Whaling Commission did not accept inter national demands for a 10-year moratorium on all commercial whaling for all species, it made some compromises at its 27th annual meeting in London. For the first time it established quota levels for all the world's oceans. It also agreed on a conservation programme to reduce the total catch from 37,300 last year to 32.450 in the 1975-76 season.

Catch quotas for fin and sei whales commission reduced the allowable catch were sharply reduced for the new season in the Southern Hemisphere from 8000 in line with a recommendation by the whales to 5870 and from 5000 females commission's technical committee that to 4870. In the North Pacific the com there should be an automatic cut-off parable figures have been reduced from point for the killing of all endangered 6000 to 5200 and from 4000 to 3100. whale species. Under the new rules, all The commission has now classified all but one of the species will be auto whale stocks into three categories. These matically protected when stocks fall 10 arc: Protection stocks, on which there per cent below the maximum sustainable will be a total moratorium (this category yield. includes all blue, hump back, gray and right whale stocks); sustained manage For the sei whale in the Antarctic the ment stocks, the hunting of which will level will be 20 per cent below the maximum sustainable yield, but only for stop if stocks fall below agreed da levels, and initial management stocks, the coming season. This means that the which are deemed to be in no dan, sei whale catch has been reduced from of over-depletion, although they are to 4000 to 2230. The fin whale catch has be regulated carefully. been cut from 1000 to 220. Under the commission's 90-day rule, A total ban was imposed on the hunt its !5 member countries have until ing of both fin and sei whales in the September 25 to object to any of the new North Pacific. Last season the quotas were 300 fin whales and 2000 sei whales. quotas, in which case they will be ex empt from observing them. Objections There is also a total ban on fin whales could come from Japan or the Soviet off the Faroe Islands, Nova Scotia, and Union, which account for 80 to 85 per the Norwegian coast. But whalers in cent of the world's total catch. But the waters off Iceland will be allowed to Soviet Union plans to send only two kill up to 275 fin whales, and those off whaling fleets instead of the usual three Newfoundland up to 90 fin whales. to the Antarctic this year. For the first time the commission Provided there is no dissent from the fixed quotas for the minke whale in the decisions, the commission plans to press North Atlantic. They were 2000 in the ahead with further plans for conserva north-east, and 550 in the north-west. tion of whales. These include an inter In the Antarctic the quota will be 6810 national decade of cetacean research against 7500 last season. A quota of (whales, dolphins and porpoises) to ob 1365 has been fixed for the brydc whale tain more information on the behaviour in the North Pacific. Previously it was and breeding patterns of the mammals. included in the sei group. Another proposal is to review existing Sperm whales have provided a large international conventions to bring the proportion of the number hunted in the commission more into line with modern North Pacific and southern waters. The principles of conservation. ANTARCTIC September, 1975

HUMANE METHODS minke whales. The actual catch was 979 fin whales, 3859 sei whales, and 7000. More humane methods of killing minke whales. whales will be studied by the commis sion. These include the use of anaesthetics or other chemicals as well SPERM WHALES as explosives. Previous expert studies These expeditions caught 8930 sperm have indicated that the present explosive whales in the Southern Hemisphere, 4768 harpoon technique used efficiently by taken on the way to or from the Antarc expert whaling gunners is the best avail tic. In the previous season 1288 fin able for killing large whales. whales and 4392 sei whales were caught, The commission also decided that all and 8315 sperm whales were taken, 3388 its member nations should report on the way to or from the Antarctic. incidental killings of cetaceans (whales No whaling operations were carried out share the biological order Cetacea with by member governments from land a number of other animals, including stations in the Antarctic during 1974-75. porpoises and dophins) in tuna purse In the 1974 season outside the seine nets. Any other statistics for direct Antarctic 11 land stations and factory or indirect fisheries for small cetaceans ships operated, and 14,472 whales were should bc reported to the Bureau of taken, including 717 fin, 2668 sei, and International Whaling Statistics. 11,087 sperm whales. Comparable figures for 1973 were 14,762 whales—754 fin, ...ports of the 1974-75 Antarctic 2741 sei, and 11,267 sperm whales. whaling season, and the 1974 season outside the Antarctic were reported to Fifteen member nations attended the the meeting by the Bureau of Inter meeting. In addition observers were national Whaling Statistics. present from Korea, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Peru, and Sweden, and Seven expeditions (four Japanese representatives of the Food and Agri and three Russian) operated in the culture Organisation, the United Nations Antarctic in 1974-75, the same as in Environment Programme, the Inter previous seasons. Catch limits for the national Union for Conservation of season were: 1000 fin whales, 4000 sei Nature, and eight non-government and Bryde's whales combined, and 7000 protection organisations. 'Antarctic" index and back issues Subscribers to "Antarctic" can now Volume V: Nos. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, obtain the index for Volume VI (1971- 10, 11, 12. 73). They should write to the New Volume VI: Nos. 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, Zealand Antarctic Society's secretary, 11, 12. P.O. Box 1223, Christchurch. The price is 75 cents in New Zealand currency or Volume VII: Nos. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6. the local equivalent. Copies of the index for several Some back issues of "Antarctic" are volumes are still available. They are: still available. Subscribers who wish Volume I (1956-58), Volume II (1959-61), to complete their files can obtain back Volume IV (1965-67), Volume V (1968- issues from the New Zealand secretary. 70), and Volume VI (1971-73). Back issues cost 50 cents in New Zealand Subscribers who have unwanted currency or the local equivalent. copies of "Antarctic" not listed here are Issues still available are: invited to send them to the New Zealand Volume I: Nos. 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12. secretary. The society is endeavouring to Volume III: Nos. 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. assemble additional complete files of the Volume IV: Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, bulletin. Unwanted copies of the index 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. would also be appreciated. =^^^ P"BP^

September, 1975 ANTARCTIC Shackleton's carpenter kept cooker from boat voyage After nearly 60 years a Primus cooker carried on Shackleton's epic boat journey from Elephant Island to South Georgia in 1916 has come to rest in the Canterbury Museum. It was brought to New Zealand manv years ago by Harry McNeish, one of the five men who sailed with Shackleton 800 miles across some of the stormiest seas in the world in the 224-ft whaleboat James Caird.

Another relic of the Heroic Age of To keep it on a firm base he and Tom Antarctic exploration which will also be Crcan sat opposite each other, and placed in the museum's Antarctic centre jammed it between their legs. is a diary kept by James Paton, a seaman Worsley used to hold the hoosh pot aboard the Morning on her second on the Primus so that none of its voyage south from Hobart to McMurdo precious contents would bc spilt when Sound in 1903. Between 1902 and 1917 the James Caird made wild leaps in Paton, who was Scottish-born, and lived the tempestuous seas. The hands of in Lyttelton, made more Antarctic everyone were scarred with frost-bite; voyages than any other sailor in the Crcan's and Worsley's, in addition, were Scott and Shackleton era. marked with burns from the Primus. McNeish, who was the ship's carpenter When the James Caird reached South aboard the Endurance on Shackleton's Georgia after its nightmare voyage, and Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition of Shackleton, Worsley, and Crean, crossed 1914-17, died in hospital at Wellington the mountains to Husvik Bay, they took on September 24, 1930 after several years a Primus stove with them. Worsley in an old men's home. His unmarked describes in "Endurance" how they grave was located by the New Zealand "cooked a meal over the little Primus" Antarctic Society, which provided a every four hours. Presumably the headstone. After McNeish's death the second Primus was left with McNeish, Primus cooker passed into the hands of Vincent, and McCarthy, at Peggotty one of his friends, Mr Cameron W. G. Camp. Jelley, of Wellington, who has now pre sented it it to the Canterbury Museum. LEFT BEHIND The Primus stove used in the boat TWO STOVES may have been left behind in Soulh Georgia. Shackleton says in "South" Whether the cooker McNeish brought that all the crossing party brought from to New Zealand was the one used to the Antarctic were McNeish's carpenter's cook "hoosh" from Bovril sledging adze, used as an ice axe, and the log rations on the boat voyage is not clear. book. McNeish, Vincent, and McCarthy, In his book, "South," Shackleton says were picked up by a whaler from the that the stores taken in the James Caird Stromncss station and eventually included two Primus stoves with spare returned to England. It is possible that parts and prickers. McNeish retained the spare Primus. In his account of the boat voyage in As for the James Caird, it was brought "Endurance," the New Zealand-born back to England. When Shackleton's navigator, Frank Worsley, refers affairs were wound up after his death frequently to the Primus stove, and how the James Caird became the property of it was used to cook a meal of sledging John Quiller Rowett, his backer for the ration every four hours in the daytime. Quest expedition ANTARCTIC September, 1975

——r

One of the two Primus stoves carried on the boat voyage from Elephant Hand to South Georgia. Beside it is a 21b Bournville cocoa tin used to keep the stove dry in the boat.

In 1924 Rowett presented the boat to Paton's account is called "Rough Log Dulwich College (his and Shackleton's of the Voyage of H.M.S. Morning from old school). It remained there until 1968 Hobart to the Antarctic Circle and when the governors of the college pre back." H.M.S. Morning is an incorrect sented it on long-term loan to the description; she was not a warship, and National Maritime Museum at Green was registered with the Royal Corinthian wich. Yacht Club. The diary starts on December 5, 1903, ROUGH LOG the day the Morning sailed from Hobart. It finishes on March 24, 1904, when the James Paton's diary of the Morning's ship has taken on ballast at the Auck voyage is only 66 pages, but it is of land Islands, and is ready to sail for particular interest as a lower deck view Lyttelton. Both the Discovery and the of a voyage in Antarctic waters. A view Terra Nova reached the Auckland from the bridge was given by Gerald Islands rendezvous before the Morning. S. Doorly in "The Voyage of the She spent nearly a month fighting ad Morning." One small item which docs verse gales, and had other troubles such not appear in other accounts of the as her ramshackle engines and pumps, Morning's voyages is that she carried and her ill-ballasted condition. two young Tasmanian goats to the Antarctic. They were placed ashore on the Auckland Islands when the Morning stopped there early in 1904. September, 1975

OTHER VOYAGES UNUSUAL RELIC Paton's two voyages in the Morning Perhaps one of the most unusual seem to have given him a liking for Antarctic relics in the centre will bc a the Antarctic. He served in the Nimrod 16-inch silvered glass ball dropped by and the Terra Nova on the Shackleton parachute at the South Pole 18 years and Scott expeditions, and was bosun ago. In December, 1956, it was put on of the Aurora when she sailed south in top of a symbolic "South Pole" about 1916 to rescue the Ross Sea shore party 1200ft from the geographic pole, and survivors of Shackleton's Imperial remained there for 11 months. Trans-Antarctic Expedition. He was still The ball was presented to the museum aboard the Aurora when she disappeared early this year by Mrs Ruth Siple, in 1917 on a voyage from Newcastle, widow of Dr Paul Siple, scientific leader New South Wales, with a cargo of coal of the team of 18 Americans who, in for a Chilean port. 1957, were the first men to live at the As well as relics of Shackleton's South Pole. Dr Siple, who took part in expeditions, the Antarctic centre will the construction of the first Amundsen' have the voice of the explorer himself. Scott South Pole Station, bought two An advertisement for an auction sale silvered glass balls in Christchurch, and of antiques led to the purchase of an they were dropped from a United States Edison phonograph cylinder recording Air Force Globemaster. of Shackleton telling the story of his Dr Siple decided on December 14 to 1907-09 expedition. erect a "South Pole" in an effort to boost the morale of the men building the station. He put one of the balls on the NORWEGIAN GIFT •South Pole," a bamboo pole which had been painted with orange and black Although Roald Amundsen did not make New Zealand his final point of stripes in barber pole fashion. The ball was an ornament, and the men hoped departure like other explorers of the Heroic Age, his bust will be placed that the sunlight flashing on it would in the Antarctic centre with those of help to make the campsite more easily Scott, Fuchs, Shackleton, and Hillary. visible from the air. A Norwegian shipowner, Mr T. Wil- When Dr Siple left the South Pole on helmson. has offered to pay for the November 30, 1957, he took with him bust, which will be the work of Arne what he called "one last sentimental souvenir." He exchanged the spare Vigeland, a relative of the great Nor silvered ball with the one that had been wegian sculptor, Gustav Vigeland. A bronze bust of Sir Vivian Fuchs. on top of the flagpole on the garage leader of the Commonwealth Trans- roof for nearly a year. Antarctic Expedition, was acquired NAVY PLAQUES recenlly for the centre. The original was A relic of the United States Navy's done in 1955 by the English sculptress, support of scientific research in Antarc Kathleen Parbury. Fuchs gave his last tica since 1955, has also been added to sitting for the bust two days before he the museum's collection. It is one of two sailed in the Theron for the Weddell plaques designed by Walt Disney Pro Sea with the advance party. ductions, and depicting the insignia of There are busts of Scott and Shackle Task Force 43, United States Naval ton in the museum, and it is planned Support Force, Antarctica. to obtain busts of Hillary and Rear- From 1955 to 1973 Task Force 43 Admiral Richard E. Byrd. Recently the was a component of the United States museum received a bust of Murray Ellis, Navy's Atlantic Fleet. Now it is a com the Dunedin engineer who was one of ponent of the Pacific Fleet, and has been Hillary's party on the journey to the renamed Task Force 199. It is based in South Pole. It was made and presented California, and continues to provide by a New Zealand sculptor. F. C. W. logistic support for American scientific Staub. activity. September, 1975 Indian scientist worked at Soviet Antarctic station India has become involved in scientific research in Antarctica as the result of an agreement with the Soviet Union for joint meteorological exploration of the upper atmosphere. Under this agreement an Indian scientist worked with the 17th Soviet Antarctic Expedition in 1971-73, and became the first Indian ever to winter on the continent.

Since the Indian Department of the data on the drift of its trajectory were Atomic Energy and the Soviet Hydro- used to measure the wind speed and meteorological Service signed the agree direction in the mesopheric region ment in 1970, there have been regular under study. weekly soundings with M-100 meteoro Results of this investigation of the logical rockets from the main Soviet Antarctic upper atmosphere im station. Molodezhnaya, and Thumba, India. Mr Parmjit Singh Sehra, of the that the most active period in south polar regions is the winter and early Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmcda- bad, was sent to the Antarctic by the spring; it is marked by large disruptions Indian Space Research Organisation. in the wind and thermal structure. In a paper printed in "Nature" Mr Sehra Mr Sehra spent 18 months in the An says that the rapid shifts in both zonal tarctic, and participated in the meteoro and meridional components of the upper logical rocket soundings of the upper atmospheric winds, particularly during atmosphere at Molodezhnaya. He also visited three other Soviet stations, Bel lingshausen, Mirny, and Vostok. For his work with the 17th Soviet Antarctic Ex pedition he was awarded the Soviet An tarctic Medal, and the Soviet Antarctic ribbon.

While Mr Sehra was in Antactica, 60 M-100 meteorological rockets were launched from Molodezhnaya. Sixteen of these carried an additional wind sensor ("chaff) for determining the mesospheric winds. Most of the flights were successful, and the average rocket apogee reached was 86.95km. This was the first meteorological study of the upper mesospheric winds made in An tarctica.

The "chaff" used in this study con sisted of cylindrical aluminium-coated glass fibre. It was carried in a special container, and ejected at rocket apogee. A high sensitivity Meteor-2 radar checked the descending chaff cloud, and PARMJIT SEHRA I I ^m f-'. •£*J •jfv-^T.X m H ^mm

the winter period May to July, are ac years for his copies of "Antarctic". companied by sudden changes in the In 1972 Mr Sehra relayed a request temperature distribution. by radio from Molodezhnaya through Stratospheric warming and cooling McMurdo Station and Scott Base to join lead to the intuitive conclusion that the the Antarctic Society. He asked also polar winter warmings may be caused that all available issues of "Antarctic" both by an increase in the supply of be sent from New Zealand to Moscow energy in the form of a vertical flux of by air freight, and then by sea from geopotcntial energy consisting of very Leningrad to Molodezhnaya. long waves, and by radioactive and photo Sixty copies of the bulletin were dis chemical processes taking place in the patched to Moscow by registered mail. upper atmosphere. But the parcel missed the Professor During September, when the winter Zubov. the first ship to reach Molo westerlies change to the summer dezhnaya. It was believed to have been easterlies, the upper atmosphere is carried to Molodezhnaya by the supply again disrupted with a warming of ship Ob, which arrived there when Mr 39dcg C at 40km which is attributed to Sehra had left, and then was trapped in the increase in available heat brought heavy pack ice for 90 days off King about by the return of sunlight. It is George V Land. thus concluded that sizeable perturba Eventually, after an exchange of cor tions may occur in the upper atmosphere respondence, the parcel reached Mr over Antarctica during the winter Sehra in India in 1974, and payment regime. for the 60 issues of the bulletin was Mr Sehra is not only the first Indian received in October. scientist to work in the Antarctic; he is Mr Sehra is still a subscriber to also the first man in Enderby Land to "Antarctic." And he hopes to associate join the New Zealand Antarctic Society, himself with the New Zealand Antarctic and the only member to wait nearly two research programme at a later date. Captain White, master of Fitzroy

Captain Frederick White, Elder Brother of Trinity House, died recently at the age of 58. He was formerly master of the Fitzroy, which for many years was the sole link between the Falkland Islands and South America, and assisted in the establishment and relief of British Antarctic bases between 1944 and ONE DOZEN PINK 1948. ROSES Until his retirement from ihe Falkland Islands he continued to bc closely Red roses sent south last Christmas associated with the B.A.S., carrying survey staff and cargo, and meeting sent to Amaitiitu. in janumy, iioo, B.A.S. ships at Montevideo and Stanley. Mr Douglas McKcnzie, official corres After he returned to England he main pondent with the New Zealand party tained his interest in the survey and was of the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic always a welcome visitor to the ships Expedition, received a dozen pink roses while they were at Southampton. from his wife. They survived a sub zero flight from Christchurch in the *Yi% • I baggage compartment of a United States Navy Neptune.

■ i September, 1975 THE READER WRITES Sidelights of Antarctic Research Letters, preferably not longer than 5 to 600 words, are invited from readers who have observed some little-known facet of Antarctic life or have reached conclusions of interest on some Antarctic problem — Editor

ANTARCTIC SMOKER From reports in several books on Shackleton's expedition it appears that >ir,—Recently I acquired a letter these runners and wheels did not per written by Shackleton to Sir Arthur form the work expected of them. They Pearson after his return from the 1908-1909 expedition. Pearson was the were used only when the motoi-car Fleet Street newspaper and magazine was employed in the immediate vicinity of Cape Royds. proprietor who gave Shackleton a job as a sub-editor of the "Royal Magazine" The artist's impression of Antarctica's first motor-car appears in the Decem "uen he returned from the Discovery ber 4, 1907, issue of the "Weekly ^.vjjedition in 1903. He was appointed Press", an illustrated paper published in September, and remained with the in Christchurch between 1883 and 1928. magazine until he was appointed Anyone interested in studying Shackle secretary-treasurer of the Royal Scottish ton's expedition can find a considerable Geographical Society early in Decem amount of background information in ber. In his letter Shackleton says he did the October to December volumes of the paper. not smoke Ashley Dickson's pipe near I have also spent some time looking the Pole, but did at winter quarters. for information about several ventila Perhaps some reader of "Antarctic" tors found near Scott's hut at Cape might be able to identify Ashley Dick son for mc. I have been unable to find Evans. When I was unable to find any any reference to him in the Shackleton photograph of the hut which showed literature. these ventilators in place, I approached Mr H. G. R. King, librarian at the Yours etc., Scott Polar Research Institute. He could JAMES PIGG not find any pictorial record but is making further inquiries. The literature of .Scott's last expedi SHACKLETON'S CAR tion contains, apparently, only one Sir,—Since I returned to New Zealand reference to ventilators. It is in Apsley late last year, I have spent some time Cherry-Garrard's book, "The Worst trying to determine the origin of two Journey in the World". In a reference wooden sled runners recovered from to the loading of supplies in Lyttelton before the expedition sailed south he >ony Lake when Mr G. D. Sylvester and I worked at Cape Royds as care says: "There were also extensive takers for the New Zealand Antarctic ventilators which were not a great success. The problem of ventilation Society. Thanks to an artist's impres sion of the Arrol-Johnston motor-car in polar regions still remains to be used by Shackleton in 1909 I have been solved." able to establish beyond doubt that these runners were fitted to the front Yours etc., of the vehicle, and the eleated wooden KENNETH J. SMITH. wheels (one of which was also recovered from the lake) were fitted to the rear. Caretaker, 1974-75 season.

i i m\i '•r^H,' September^ 1975 Ulsterman and Antarctic veteran

An Ulsterman. Surgeon Captain travelled 535 miles in 72 days from Edward W. Bingham, R.N. (retd), who their base on the Debenham Islands made a notable contribution to British south to the Wordie Ice Shelf, and exploration in Antarctica immediately then to the east coast of Graham Land after the Second World War, has and southwards. This journey proved become the second patron of the that Graham Land was part of the Northern Ireland Polar Club. Captain continent, and not an archipelago. Bingham, who succeeds the late Sir In 1937 Captain Bingham returned Raymond Priestley, began his polar to the Royal Navy. He served with career in the Arctic, served with the distinction in the Second World War, British Graham Land Expedition of and did valuable research on Arctic 1934-37, and was leader of the Falkland survival equipment, food, and clothing. Islands Dependencies Survey (now Then he went back to the Antarctic British Antarctic Survey) from 1945 to after the war to take over Operation 1947. Tabarin, the secret wartime naval and Captain Bingham, who was born in scientific expedition sent south in 1944 to hold the Falkland Islands Depen Dungannon. County Tyrone, is remem bered by all who served with him for dencies against all comers. his skilful handling of sledge dogs and As leader of the Falkland Islands men in the Antarctic. Kevin Walton, Dependencies .Survey, the renamed and who was with F.I.D.S. in 1946. says reorganised Operation Tabarin. Captain in his book "Two Years in the Antarc Bingham organised the relief of the war tic" that "all those who went to the time bases, established others, and Antarctic in 1946 learned the technique made some long sledging journeys. He of polar travel soundly and well at his played a leading part in the develop hands." ment of the long-term programme of scientific and geographical work which After he qualified at Trinity College, has been carried out in the Antarctic Dublin, Captain Bingham entered the Peninsula area for more than 30 years. Royal Navy as a surgeon lieutenant. He was seconded to the British Arctic In 1950 Captain Bingham's work in Air Route expedition led by Gino polar regions was recognised by the Wa'kins in 1932-33, but his first job Royal Geographical Society's award of in Greenland was to handle a dog team. its Murchison Grant. Eight years later He took part in the exploration of the he retired and left the polar scene to ice-cap, and helped to establish a younger men. weather station there. A small, intensely energetic Irishman, After working in the north of Captain Bingham was unsurpassed in Labrador with a winter party of naval his knowledge of the arts of polar travel and dog handling. He remains ' " i s f r o m H . M . S . C h a l l e n g e r, an outstanding figure in the history of v,..,,...,,i Bingham joined the British Graham Land Expedition led by John British po'ar exploration in the years after the Second World War because lymtll as medical officer, and in charge of dog teams. In three years this he provided an active bridge between privately organised expedition made pre-war and post-war explorers. some notable sledge journeys, and, using aircraft and dogs, surveyed and photo graphed more than 1000 miles of coast line. On the last sledge journey of the expedition Rymill and Bingham September, 1975 Use of seawater temperatures to generate power Generation of power by the use of tube extending down from the floating the temperature difference between concrete power station to bring cold surface and lower ocean waters has been water up from below. The Lockheed under study recently in the United Corporation design was for a 160MW States. Two designs for seawater power station with a concrete "platform" stations have been produced. built to last 100 years, and a power This season New Zealanders at Scott plant with an estimated life of 35 }ears. Base will continue a thermal power When the Massachusetts design was experiment initiated by the Antarctic described in "New Scientist" (September Division, Department of Scientific and 5, 1974), the economics of such a plant Industrial Research, in the 1973-74 were questioned. The report noted that season. The equipment for the experi a 410-MW station would use 21MW to ment has been designed to use the pump the ammonia coolant supply; and waters of McMurdo Station 35ft deep that the inherent low thermodynamic beneath the pressure ridges near Scott efficient meant that capital cost (per Base to generate power. ("Antarctic", KW) becomes a very large factor in the Page 381, September, 1973.) economics of such a plant. Last year a design for a seawater power station was put forward by a group at the University of Massachu SECOND DRILLING setts, and recently the Lockheed SEMINAR Corporation produced a design under a National Science Foundation contract. More than 60 scientists, many of them The corporation claims that at 2.7 cents from the United States and Japan, are per kWh, the thermal power would be expected to attend the second meeting competitive with that from fossil fuel of scientists working with and intcrctsed stations. in the Dry Valley Drilling Project. Temperature differences available in DVDP Seminar II will be held at Vic the Gulf Stream in some locations close toria University of Wellington from to the United States coast arc aiound January 13 to 15 next year. Some papers will review the scientific 20deg Celsius. Both the Massachusetts and Lockheed schemes would use achievements of the project; others will ammonia as the working fluid, alter report on more detailed and specialised nately boiling and condensing it, with study. A report on the drilling in the gas driving the turbine. McMurdo Sound, scheduled for com Both schemes feature a 300m concrete pletion on December 15 this year, will be a highlight of the conference. Those interested in attending arc asked Winter parties at the Soviet stations, to write to Dr D. Seward, DVDP Molodezhnaya and Leningradskaya Seminar II, Geology Department. played chess for nearly five months this Victoria University of Wellington. winter. They competed in the annual Private Bag, Wellington. New Zealand. triangular Moscow-A relic-Antarctic radio chess match between some 50 teams. Arctic opponents were winter Twenty-one women — Americans, parties on Dixon and Wrangel Islands, New Zealanders, and one Welshwoman and at Capes Chelyuskin and Schmidt. —will work in Antarctica this season, Moscow's teams came from the Bolshoi not because 1975 is International Theatre, newspaper offices, the circus, Women's Year, but because they are and an atomic energy institute. needed in the research programmes. September, 1975

ANTARCTIC BOOKSHELF POLAR DESERTS AND MODERN MAN Edited by Terah L. Smiley and James H. Zumberge. University of Arizona Press, Tucson. Arizona. 1974, 173 pp. The polar deserts of the Earth are the 14 chapters of the book. All the amongst the last and most challenging contributions were originally presented to frontiers to both scientific inquiry and a Polar Deserts Symposium held in 1971 economic utilisation and it is with the and sponsored by the Commitee on Arid theme of intensified development that Lands of the American Association for this book is mainly concerned. It ex the Advancement of Science. The result amines both the Arctic and the Antarctic is a wide-ranging work which embodies with respect to the stresses on physical much authoritative polar experience but and biological systems that have already of necessity it can neither be completely occurred and which may occur in the definitive nor even exhaustive of polar future with increased scientific and eco problems. nomic effort. The book is structured into three Comparisons and contrasts are drawn broad sections headed, Natural Environ between such diverse yet related topics ment. Economic Base for Development, as the development of oil resources on and Problems of Immigrants. The intro the North Slope of Alaska and in Can ductory material on Natural Environ ada's North-west Territory, the impact of ments comprises over half of the book economic development on indigenous and follows in the customary way peoples of the Arctic, and the significance through climatology, geology, hydrology, of systematic scientific exploration in the biology, etc. Antarctic under the umbrella of the It begins with a rather restricted defi Antarctic Treaty. nition of the term "polar desert" i.e.: glacier-free terrestrial areas with mean The editors warn, "experience should annual precipitation less than 25 cm. and teach us that no place on earth is likely with a mean temperature for the warmest to escape the probe of the exploratory month of 10°C or less. This effectively drill in search of minerals and fossil limits coverage of Antarctica to the nar fuels", so that there is a great and con row relatively ice-free costal strips and tinuing need for baseline information similarly excludes much of the Arctic against which to assess the likely effects Basin. It also precludes discussion of of any proposed economic endeavour. the very pressing problems related to This is a timely note of caution in re fisheries management of both the Arctic gard to Antarctica as exploration pro and Antarctic Oceans. ceeds, and problems with traditional The second portion on the base for sources of minerals and fuels grow more economic development comprises three complex. Antarctica, "the only continent chapters all concerned with the Arctic. controlled by international agreement", Some fascinating comparative costs be may be subject to an increased pace of tween life at high latitudes and more exploration or development in the com equable regions are presented, and there ing years and the Antarctic Treaty might are brief reviews of the history and prob "sorelv tested", well before its expiry lems of High Arctic economic develop date in 1991. ment. The editors have thus identified a very The final section also comprises three large aim and have addressed it on as chapters. It deals with Arctic transporta wide a front as possible by assembling tion, health and sanitation problems, and reviews of knowledge in numerous fields with ways in which planning may help by noted experts on polar problems into alleviate difficulties which have occurred. September, 1975

The book is lavishly illustrated with acquired interest as well as a valuable more than 150 photographs, diagrams addition to the libraries of those already and tables and is well-written for the versed in high latitude lore. most part. It should make an interesting DR R. M. KIRK and informative introduction to polar DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY land problems for those with a newly- UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY PROFESSOR ON THE ICE By Robert E. Feeney Published by Pacific Portals, Davis, California, 1974. 164 pp. Two maps and 26 illustrations. U.S. price $4.95. Professor Feeney spent six con Feeney has similar feelings. He describes secutive summers doing research on pen his work well, and readers will become guins and fish in the Antarctic. His pro quite well-informed, intrigued perhaps, jects were undertaken from 1964 to 1970 about proteins and enzymes, and their when great progress was made in the mysterious functions. establishment of scientific bases on the Field research in Antarctic demands of Antarctic continent. the determined scientist sheer, painstak Although Professor Feeney's particular ing routine whether the task involves interest is biochemistry his book is writ handling thousands of eggs or scores of ten in terms which are not beyond the fish. Professor Feeney makes it clear understanding of the interested layman, that only the most impossible weather yet his information is detailed enough to could interrupt the scientists' dogged satisfy the most curious of readers. He is routine. He is conscious also of his good concerned mainly with penguin studies at fortune in having dedicated field assist beautiful Cape Crozier and fish beneath ants and co-researchers. the frigid waters of McMurdo Sound; he "Professor on the Ice" is written in a is also a discerning observer of personali- restrained but factual style. It is obvi places elsewhere in that fascin ous, however, that Professor Feeney en ating land which is Antarctica. j "bitter joyed every moment of his Antan,»'> ™- periences. He is an acute juuD autiful land" as it really is. Those human nature, generous in his praise of 'need for bona fide 'Antarcticans", and equally _ lives me lupiuiv; ui me snOWS kind to unhelpful and dampening official which it engenders in the sensitive travel dom. ler, will admire his candid writing about the tranquillity of the polar scene, and Like other scientists who have worked the contemplation of developing ice there, Professor Feeney speculates on the formations. future of Antarctica, and its influence on Professor Feeney's Antarctic experi mankind in a climatically changing, or ences were not always serious, and he a developing world. writes most entertainingly of his trials in He writes that "current interest in attempting to discourage opportunist global and space environment is focusing seals from using his scientific fishing attention on the way living things per holes. Wisely, he decided that co-opera form and survive in extreme environ tion between scientists and seals was the mental conditions, since men, animals, most fruitful policy in the end. The re and plants may have to live and grow in sulting technique raises an interesting much colder climates and under unheard- possibility for the future relationship of of conditions in the world of the future. thinking man and these intellieent crea Studies in Antarctica may provide us tures. with knowledge of how it might be For the Adelie and Emperor penguins d o n e . " L . E . K . —also subjects of his research—Professor *l^M-'^.

"ANTARCTIC"

is published quarterly in March, June, September, and December. It is the only periodical in the world which gives regular up-to-date news of the Antarctic activities of all the nations at work in the far South. It has a world-wide circulation. Yearly subscription NZ$3.50. Overseas NZ$4.50, includes postage (air mail postage extra), single copies $1.00. Details of back issues available may be obtained from the Secretary,New Zealand Antarctic Society (Inc.), P.O. Box 1223, Christchurch, New Zealand. Overseas subscribers are asked to ensure that their remittances are converted to New Zealand currency.

The New Zealand Antarctic Society (Inc.)

The New Zealand Antarctic Society was formed in 1933. It comprises New Zealanders and overseas friends, many of whom have seen Antarctica for themselves, and all of whom are vitally interested in some phase of Antarctic exploration, development, or research. The society has taken an active part in restoring and maintaining the historic huts in the Ross Dependency, and plans to co-operate in securing suitable locations as repositories of Polar material of unique interest. There are two branches of the society and functions are arranged throughout the year. You are invited to become a member, South Island residents should write to the Canterbury secretary, North Islanders should write to the Wellington secretary, and overseas residents to the secretary of the New Zealand Society. For addresses see below. The yearly membership fee is NZ$3.00 (or equivalent local currency). Membership fee, including "Antarctic", NZ$5.00.

New Zealand Secretary Miss J. Kerr, P.O. Box 1223. Christchurch.

Branch Secretaries Canterbury: Mrs E. F. Cross, P.O. Box 404, Christchurch. Wellington: Mr G. D. Sylvester. P.O. Box 2110, Wellington.