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AN AUSTRALIAN FLAG FLIES AGAIN OVER THE MAIN HUT BUILT AT CAPE DENISON IN 1911 BY SIR DOUGLAS MAWSON'S AUSTRALASIAN ANTARC TIC EXPEDITION, 1911-14. WHEN MEMBERS OF THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL ANTARCTIC RESEARCH EXPEDITION VISITED THE HUT THEY FOUND IT FILLED WITH ICE AND SNOW BUT IN A FAIR STATE OF REPAIR AFTER MORE THAN 60 YEARS OF ANTARCTIC BLIZZARDS WITHOUT MAINTENANCE. Australian Antarctic Division Photo: D. J. Lugg

Vol. 7 No. 2 Registered at Post Office Headquarters. Wellington, New Zealand, as a magazine. June, 1974 . ) / E I W W AUSTRALIA ) WELLINGTON / I ^JlCHRISTCHURCH I NEW ZEALAND

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DRAWN BY DEPARTMENT OF LANDS & SURVEY WELLINGTON. NEW ZEALAND. AUG 1969 3rd EDITION .-• v

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(Successor to "Antarctic News Bulletin")

Vol. 7 No. 2 74th ISSUE June, 1974

Editor: J. M. CAFFIN, 35 Chepstow Avenue, Christchurch 5. Address all contributions, enquiries, etc., to the Editor. All Business Communications, Subscriptions, etc., to: Secretary, New Zealand Antarctic Society (Inc.), P.O. Box 1223, Christchurch, N.Z.

CONTENTS

ARTICLE TOURIST PARTIES 63, 64

POLAR ACTIVITIES NEW ZEALAND ... 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 UNITED KINGDOM 48, 49, 50. 51 SOVIET UNION 52, 53 JAPAN 54, 56 FRANCE AUSTRALIA 57, 58 UNITED STATES ... 59, 60, 61, 62

GENERAL UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY 45, 46, 47 ANTARCTIC PILOT OBITUARY VOYAGE ROUND ANTARCTIC SUB-ANTARCTIC THE READER WRITES B.A.N.Z.A.R.E. VETERANS

"Midwinter's Day! For once, the weather rose to the occasion and calmed during the few hours of the twilight day. It was a jovial occasion, and we celebrated it with thc uproarious delight of a community of young men unfettered by small conventions. The sun was returning, and we were glad of it. Already we were dreaming of spring and sledging, of the ship and home." Sir Douglas Mawson's words in "The Home of the Blizzard" were written 62 years ago. They are a reminder that several hundred men —and two women—of 10 nations will celebrate the same occasion this month, and, like Mawson and his men, look forward to the return of the ANTARCTIC WINTER DARKNESS FOR NEW ZEALAND TEAMS Winter darkness fell over the Antarctic on April 24. Most of the 12 New Zealanders at Scott Base and the four men at Vanda Station in the Wright Valley watched thc sun sink below the horizon at 12.45 p.m., know ing that they would not see it again until August 29. Since the last aircraft left New Zealand on February 25 the men at Scott Basc and Vanda Station have made all preparations for four months of darkness. Food has been stacked for thc clogs at Scott Base, and huge piles of ice have been placed at the front and back of the base to provide a reserve water supply. The men at Vanda Station have prepared emer gency lighting, heating, and cooking equipment in the refuge hut.

Winter parties in the Antarctic always climate of the Wright Valley. During the have problems. This year there are two first winter there was little wind and tem which concern the Antarctic Division, peratures were reasonable. Last winter Department of Scientific and Industrial there was considerable wind, and tem Research, in Christchurch. Long periods peratures were low. Mr Thomson says of calm weather in the Wright Valley this winter seems to be following the have meant that there is only enough climatic pattern of the first. diesel fuel at Vanda Station to run the generating plants for two-thirds of the HUSKY DEATHS winter. In December last year one of the Mysterious husky deaths are the prob huskies, Vaska, gave birth to six pups, lem at Scott Base. Seven dogs—pups and and five survived. She rejected one. which grown dogs—had died in thc three died soon after birth. The previous year months to the middle of April. Only 16 Vaska rejected her entire litter and ate dogs are left—enough for one sledge team her pups. Of the latest litter three bitches and a half. The Antarctic Division's survive, and now weigh more than 401b superintendent, Mr R. B. Thomson, says each. this is the worst period of dog ill-health An older bitch, Uglan, gave birth to to have been experienced at the basc, and nine puppies towards the end of Feb the reason is not known. ruary. Three were born dead, and of the Because there has been no wind for 30 remaining six only two survive. They consecutive days at times the wind live in a box in the sledge room at the generators at Vanda Station have not base, and are fed milk and minced meat been working, and the diesel generating several times daily. But in March Uglan plants have been running all the time. To began to fail, and died within a few days. conserve fuel it is likely that the gener Mr Thomson says that when the pups ators will have to be cut ofT occasionally. started to die it was thought that some Mr Thomson says this will not affect the inbreeding might be the cause, but the scientific work, but it will affect the older dogs which died should not have creature comforts. There is a reserve of been affected by this problem. Now the propane gas at the station which might Antarctic Division hopes to buy four have to be used to heat the buildings. huskies from the United States next sum This is the third winter that research mer, although they are not easy to obtain, has been carried out at Vanda Station to and their price, $1200, and transport will establish, among other things, the normal be expensive. Artificial insemination will ANTARCTIC also be considered. It works well with with other information about the earth cattle and sheep, and Mr Thomson sees and its magnetic field, could increase no reason why it should not work with understanding of the interaction with the dogs. earth of high speed particles given oil by Before total darkness fell the men at the sun. Scott Base were able to do survival train Scientists need this information to help ing, climbing, and crevasse work, exercise them predict short-wave radio conditions, the dog teams, and field test some modi and to forecast magnetic storms for space fied snow toboggans. These were bought vehicles. An understanding of the inter from thc American engineer, Mr W. action could also assist progress towards Pederson, who once planned to drive them power generation by nuclear fusion. overland from McMurdo Station to thc South Pole. They have been modified because they travel too fast, and do not work in extreme cold. Caretakers for In the first winter newsletter the leader, Mr H. W. E. Jones, reported that most of huts March had been spent preparing for Two members of the New Zealand winter. The dog lines had been moved Antarctic Society will have the oppor closer to the base, seal carcases cut up tunity to go south next season to act as with chain saws for dog food and stacked caretakers of the historic huts at Cape nearby, and a multitude of leaks in the Royds, Cape Evans, and Hut Point. buildings caulked and plugged. Applications are now being called for two Although the weather in March was men to spend three weeks in the An overcast with poor visibility, there were tarctic, starting early in December. There a few fine periods. During these thc men have been caretakers working from Cape were able to observe the usual Antarctic Royds for thc last five summers. The Antarctic Division of the Depart phenomena—mirages manifesting them selves as towering ice cliffs, parahclia or ment of Scientific and Industrial Re sun dogs in the air full of ice crystals, and search, which will provide special cloth auroras in reds, greens, and blues span ing, transport, food, and accommodation, ning the sky. has suggested certain qualifications of value to anyone applying. JULIE AT WORK These qualifications include interest in On March 28 two members of the team, one or more of the Antarctic research Messrs A. Atkinson and S. Clarke, put projects, particularly biology or meteor Julie out in the snow. But she did not ology, and knowledge of and interest in mind. Julie is a photometer which will the historic huts at Cape Royds and Cape run at intervals through the winter to Evans, and the conservation of fauna and find out much man-made light there is flora. Other suggestions are that appli near thc basc and at Arrival Heights three cants should have practical experience in miles away. some trade profession, and mountaineer Julie was built in the physics and ing and/or tramping experience. engineering laboratory of the auroral The two caretakers, who will be re station at Lauder, Central Otago. Read quired to attend the training camp at ings from it during thc winter will help Tekapo for the Antarctic research team, scientists to decide whether highly sensi will be selected from a panel of repre tive optical equipment for measuring sentatives from the society, the super auroral and airglow emissions can be intendent of the Antarctic Division, and installed in the Ross Island area. the leader at Scott Base for the 1974-75 The photometer measures the intensity season. Applications can be sent by South of light as it scans the horizon. If it finds Island members to the secretary of the that thc man-made light is not too great, Canterbury branch, P.O. Box 404, Christ future equipment which may record church. North Island members can apply images and directions as well as intensity, to the Wellington branch secretary. P.O. will yield data which, when combined Box 2110. 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Since then the huts have been maintained by the Antarctic Division, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, with the assistance of caretakers from the New Zealand Antarctic Society.

Each summer since 1969 the caretakers Messrs Kerr and Madgwick to make a have made fresh discoveries both inside comprehensive search of the remaining and outside the huts. When warmer foot or so of the debris on the floor. weather has melted thc ice more material Many articles of pony harness and cloth has been exposed, and from what appears ing arc protruding from the ice, and can to be debris at first sight historic items be removed only slowly and carefully if have been recovered. The caretakers have serious damage is to bc avoided. A halter, added archaeology to their duties, search partly revealed, was covered with an old ing carefully as they excavate thc ice for piece of tarpaulin to give future care items which will help to tell the whole takers a chance to complete its removal story of how men lived in the Antarctic before it is covered with ice again. 60 to 70 years ago. A puzzling pile of iron hoops and cast Last summer the caretakers were Mr L. ings lying outside the hut was resolved, E. Kerr, of the Canterbury branch of the after considerable experiment and specu Antarctic Society, and Mr G. E. Madg lation, into the shape of an elaborate wick, of the Wellington branch. When heating stove of thc Emperor No. 8 type. they went to Shackleton's hut at Cape Thc cylindrical barrel of the stove was Royds they uncovered some interesting missing, but pieces of wood served as items in the permafrost of the floor of the formers to permit a fair assembly of the stable in which the expedition housed its ornate iron castings. Apparently, this ponies. In their report to the Antarctic stove was never used during Shackleton's Division they say that it seems apparent time. that a wealth of undiscovered relics can A small ice anchor, weighing some still be found in the stable areas of the 601b, and apparently from Shackleton's huts both at Cape Royds and Cape Evans. Nimrod, was brought to the hut entrance When the caretakers excavated in the from its location among the rocks be ice below the north-west window of the tween the hut and Backdoor Bay. In this hut at Cape Royds they discovered the location it will bc seen and appreciated original shutter. It was well constructed by more visitors to the area. of 4in by lin timber, and was in an excel Parts of what seemed to be a wheeled lent state of preservation. Excavations in unit for conveying stores were discerned the stable side of the hut revealed in the in the scoria, and a wheel hub, a piece of permafrost of the floor pieces of pony bicycle tyre and tube with valve attached, harness and a large felt boot with a were salvaged and placed in the hut, suit cleated sole of a type not exhibited in the ably labelled. The rusting remains of the hut. The harness was hung on the outside vehicle were outlined on the ground, and wall, and the boot added to the hut col measured some 3ft 6in by 9ft, and seemed lection. to be made of tubular bicycle framing. Unfortunately, the rate of thaw—about The device appeared to be a two-wheeled an inch a day—was too slow to permit "barrow" of some sort, and the caretakers ANTARCTIC

suggest that research through Antarctic While the caretakers were at Cape literature could, perhaps, prove enlighten Evans they made short excursions on fine, ing. calm evenings to places of potential Pony Lake was a disappointment last interest indicated on thc early maps of season because the water level was too the area. One such trip was made to thc high, and the lake was covered with ice site of the Bertram meteorological station for most of the time the caretakers were of Scott's time, half a mile to the cast at Cape Royds. But a rake included in of the hut past the Dreadnought Mound their equipment was useful to remove on thc lower slopes of Mount Erebus, and broken glass littering the area, and un through the "Lost City" area of volcanic sightly fragments of wood and wire. It formations. But because of the drifted was used also to uncover thc odd pieces of snow no sign could bc found of this or interesting material from thc scoria sur face nearby. other cairn sites on the south shore of the In the hut area, which was tidied cape. There will be less disturbance of nest generally, the rubbish consisted mainly of splinters and small scraps of wood, and ing birds in the Adelie penguin rookery food tins which had rusted right through. at Cape Royds in future. During their A great deal of the stores, now free of ice stay the caretakers re-located the landing and snow for some weeks of the year, area for helicopters from McMurdo were found to have deteriorated as had Station. The landing pad is now 200yds the maize and hay used to feed the further away from thc rookery. ponies. A careful count of thc birds showed Because of the considerable snowfall in that there were 2,168 Adelies in the October last year, the caretakers found rookery. Probably 40 to 50 more would that deep drifts had been left over the have been in transit to and from the sea area round thc hut at Cape Evans. This at thc time. During their stay at Cape made it difficult to locate objects around Royds Messrs Kerr and Madgwick re the hut. But several items were found, corded numerous skuas, two terns, five including an iron ice probe 7ft long with killer whales, and one leopard seal. On part of a sewn canvas cover still attached, their flight to Cape Evans 1400 Weddell and the missing 21b weight from the seals were counted from the air. On one scales in the hut. The probe was placed occasion a solitary Adelie penguin was along the outside western wall of the hut seen stolidly trudging southwards 10 miles near the entrance, and thc weight was from the ice edge. returned to thc net in the kitchen corner of the hut. Various items of clothing were located. Some were only scraps, but a black woollen helmet of the era was found to Reconnaissances for future expeditions be in very good condition. This, and a were made by the Waikato University grey jersey found outside by Mr J. expedition last summer during the time Lowery, of the New Zealand Geological its members worked in the Taylor Valley, Survey, on a visit from Scott Basc earlier one of the dry valleys west of McMurdo in the season, were placed inside the hut Sound. One trek was made across the on the bunks. Koettlitz region from Buddha Lake to Also recovered were several "electrical" Trough Lake by Professor A. T. Wilson, instruments and pieces of scientific director of the university's research unit, apparatus from adjacent areas. These, and Dr T. Healy. too, were placed in the hut. Thc outline The second trek was from Lake Joyce of the top of a box containing rock speci in the Taylor Valley to Lake Vanda mens was noticed emerging from the across thc Asgard Range. This was made permafrost near the entrance, but time by Professor Wilson, and Messrs J. did not allow for its excavation. Gumbley and C. Reynolds. ANTARCTIC

MAN AND DOG SLEDGE HARNESS "Trudging along hour after hour, and day after day, with a canvas harness over thc shoulders and round thc waist is a rather fantastic experi ence. I was tied to one side of the sledge with an 8ft rope, and Haywood similarly tied to the other. Joyce was in the lead at the end of a rope about 25ft long, behind him Mackintosh, Spencer-Smith and Wild were attached to this rope by harness, and then behind them again the four dogs whose harness was likewise tied to the central rope."

So wrote R. W. (Dick) Richards in (These dogs were Con, Gunner, Oscar, his account of the experiences of and Towscr). And he explained the un Shackleton's Ross Sea shore party of usual arrangement of straps and toggles 1914-17. Fifty-six years later, thc man in the harness. The leading man was and dog harness used by the heroic followed by two dogs, followed by two depot-laying party was located at Cape men, two dogs, and two men immedi Evans by two New Zealand Antarctic ately in front of the sledge. Society caretakers, Messrs R. G. McElrea Now 80 years old. Dick Richards and H. Burson. They placed this rare lives at Point Lonsdale, a pleasant bush relic of a gallant and little-known chap resort 70 miles from Melbourne. He, ter in Antarctic history in Scott's hut at and another Australian, A. O. Gaze, are Cape Evans. the sole survivors of the shore party. Later Mr McElrea wrote to Dick Recently he was visited by Dr R. S. Richards, one of the last two survivors Duff, director of the Canterbury of the Ross Sea shore party, and sent Museum, who asked him to identify him a photograph of the harness. He two albums of faded photographs pre positively identified the harness shown sented to the museum by Dr John in the photograph above as " . . . un Middleton, of Lily-dale, Melbourne, doubtedly ours. All of our sledging was whose father, Dr F. G. Middleton, then manhauling assisted by four dogs." just graduated in medicine, was surgeon ANTARCTIC aboard thc Aurora, which rescued the seven survivors of the shore party on Scott Base January 10, 1917. Dick Richards is still hale and hearty, and he was able to identify all the leader photographs of his party immediately- The leader of New Zealand's Antarc even dim shadows—and the dogs. He tic research team for 1974-75 will be a was interested to know that the party's former Royal New Zealand Navy elec motor sledge would be housed in the trical engineering specialist. He is Mr museum, and pointed out in a photo J. A. Newman, a company secretary, of graph its packing crate converted to a Auckland. kennel with Bitchie peering out. Bitchie Mr Newman, who is 41, was born in was one of two bitches, the other was Hamilton, and was educated at Morrins- Nell. ville College. He served in the Royal Mr Richards not only identified the New Zealand Navy from 1949 to 1957, two albums of photographs for Dr DufT; and was specialised in electrical engin he has agreed to provide copies of his eering and electronics. During his naval diaries for the museum's Antarctic career he was on active service in centre. Copies of the diaries Dr F. G. Korean waters on two occasions during Middleton kept on the Aurora's relief hostilities. As a member of the crew of voyage will also be made available by H.M.N.Z.S. Black Prince he attended the Dr John Middleton. Queen's coronation in 1953. After his retirement from the Navy Mr Newman joined the engineering staff of thc Egmont Electric Power Board. He remained there until 1966 when he Observation Hill went into business on his own account. In 1968 he entered local body politics climb and was elected a member of the Frank lin Electric Power Board. Clambering to the top of 730ft Observation Hill at McMurdo Station Mr Newman is an experienced moun was a popular fitness pastime for taineer. He is a member of the Mt sailors, scientists, and visitors to the Egmont Alpine Club, and has had four station last season. From the site of years' search and rescue experience in the nuclear power plant, half-way up the Taranaki area. the hill, the incline averages 63deg. This month Mr Newman took up his The average climber takes 16 minutes to appointment with the Antarctic Divi reach the cross at the top, and about sion, Department of Scientific and In seven minutes to get down. dustrial Research. He will leave There is a record for the climb to Christchurch early in October to relieve the summit and down again—81 minutes Mr H. W. E. Jones, the present leader —set by Lieutenant E. R. Wilgress, the at Scott Base. United States Navy's VXE6 Squadron doctor, in December, 1972. Since then there have been many attempts to beat the record. TREATY BREACH Lieutenant Wilgress believes that the climb to the top of Observation Hill, A New Zealand mouse committed plus the walk to the beginning of the a breach of the Antarctic Treaty last climb—about half a mile from any summer—it introduced itself to the point round McMurdo Station—can be continent in a cargo consignment flown used to good advantage in meeting the south from Christchurch. The penalty general health and fitness requirements was death by starvation at McMurdo of the Navy's training. Station. ANTARCTIC

CANTERBURY UNIVERSITY Mummified seals recorded in Taylor Valley survey

Population studies of Weddell seal colonics in McMurdo Sound, and a survey of mummified seals in the Taylor Valley, one of the dry valleys on the west side of thc sound, were included in the field programme of the University of Canterbury Antarctic unit during the 1973-74 summer. In his report the director. Professor G. A. Knox, says that this was the unit's 12th expedition to thc McMurdo Sound region. Thc two programmes carried out were seal research, working from Scott Basc, and research on marine biology and ornithology at Cape Bird.

Members of the expedition were in the Two helicopter flights were required to Antarctic from November 23 to Feb close the station on February 2. The ruary 3. The Cape Bird party was led by second flight stopped at Cape Royds for a marine zoologist, Mr P. M. Sagar, who an hour to allow Mr Paulin time to obtain had with him another marine zoologist, gut samples of Adelie penguins breeding Mr J. Early, a limnologist. Miss Joy L. there. On February 4 the expedition Woods, and an ornithologist, Mr C. D. returned to Christchurch. Paulin. The leader of thc seal research Mr Sagar's project was an ecological team was a zoologist, Mr I. T. Clement, study of Paramoera walkeri, a very abun who had with him two field assistants. dant sub-tidal amphipod crustacean. This Messrs G. Brchant and R. Newland, from developed out of a preliminary investiga the Antarctic Division of the Depart tion completed in the 1971-72 summer, ment of Scientific and Industrial Re and was divided into two parts. In the search. first part samples were taken at weekly In his general report on field activities intervals from December 5 to January 30. at Cape Bird station Mr Sagar says that This was done by hand-hauling an epi- when the party arrived at Scott Base it benlhic sledge across a bay formed in the discovered that its cargo of essential push-ice. An attempt was made to haul scientific equipment had not arrived. He, the sledge across a similar stretch of Miss Woods. Mr Paulin. and Mr W. bethos each week but this was not always Johnson, the Scott Base engineer, flew by possible because of variable sea-ice con helicopter to Cape Bird on November 25 ditions. to open thc station. After hand sorting the specimens were On December 22 thc cargo of scientific preserved and later brought back to New equipment finally arrived at Scott Base, Zealand for detail study. This will include and was flown to Cape Bird the next day. length and weight measurements, sexing. The month's delay in arrival of this morphological studies of thc various equipment severely restricted the pro stages, growth studies, gut analyses, and grammes of Messrs Sagar, and Early, and epizcan studies. Miss Woods. But after it arrived all study programmes went ahead with no major SAMPLES TAKEN interruptions. Biological activity having Thc second part of the programme in continued in the absence of the equip volved the study of live animals in the ment, however, lost ground could not be wet laboratory. This was restricted by the made up. late arrival of the scientific equipment. ANTARCTIC

When thc equipment finally arrived little 21. Sampling was also carried out weekly difficulty was experienced in maintaining at two stations on Harrison Lake. It is a the Paramoera, except for a short period large, shallow temporary lake south of the of extremely high air temperatures which hut, and inland from Harrison's Bluff. heated the aquarium water to 6deg C. A water sample from each of these Sixty animals were isolated individually, lakes, and from some other lakes around and length and weight measurements were Cape Bird, were frozen and sent back to made each week. Notes on swimming Christchurch for detailed chemical ana feeding behaviour were also taken. Be lysis. sides thc collection of Paramoera. samples In thc laboratory plankton and algae of other amphipods were taken and pre samples were examined live, and the served, and also samples of the periphy- material identified as far as possible. The ton, the food source of Paramoera. samples were then preserved and brought Mr Early investigated both the phyto- back to New Zealand for further analysis. plankton and zooplankton in shallow Many thousands of Philodina gregaria water at Cape Bird. Samples, taken at were collected and kept alive in the intervals of four days from early Decem laboratory, and then brought back alive ber to late January, were collected in for experimental purposes. plastic buckets from the fast ice in water PENGUIN STUDIES up to one metre deep. The phytoplank- ton was studied from the aspects of stand Weight and bill measurements of 300 Adelie penguins leaving the colony and ing crop and productivity. returning from fishing were taken by Mr Zooplankton standing crop was esti Paulin. He measured ten birds every two mated by direct counts of species and dry days. His studies indicated that the Ade weights of thc macro zooplankton. In lies were taking an average of 100 to 800 January a near complete set of samples grams of food on each feeding trip. was taken at four-hourly intervals for 24 Stomach samples were collected from hours in water eight metres deep. These 17 birds. Eight of these were comnlete, samples were analysed to investigate the collected from birds which had been possibility of diurnal changes in the zoo injured by leopard seal attacks, and had plankton composition. escaped to die on thc beach. Thc remain Three lakes were selected for fresh ing nine samples were collected by use of water studies by Miss Woods at Cape a stomach pump. Bird last season. However, as this work Hourly counts were made of birds leav was to include seasonal ecological studies ing and returning to the rookery between similar to the study on Bird Lake by Mrs December 15 and January 5, and January Barbara Spurr in the 1970-71 season, thc 12 and 14. A distinct cycle was recorded programme was several times curtailed by with peaks of activity at 2 a.m. Only birds the delay in the arrival of the essential leaving the rookery showed this rhythm. equipment. Work was not begun until Skeletons of dead birds found on the December 26, and by this time the lakes beach were collected and cleaned. Four were unfrozen and the animal and plant Emperor penguins, five Adelie penguins, populations well-developed. and eight skuas were obtained complete. Penguin Pond is a small, shallow tem In addition a large number of isolated porary pond in the northern penguin bones was collected, including those of rookery where thc Antarctic rotifer Philo- snow and Antarctic petrels. dina grcgaria was very abundant during All skua chicks, with the exception of the summer. This pond was sampled six that were too small, between the twice weekly, and measurements taken. north ice-cap and Priapulus Point, were Green Lake is a permanent lake in the banded—90 in all. Shortage of time pre moraines behind the hut, about 450ft vented a small number of chicks south above sea level, and looks very similar to of Priapulus Point being banded. Three Bird Lake. Sampling was carried out tapes were made of penguin and skua weekly at three depths, and a diurnal calls. Wind noise prevented taping from study was undertaken on January 20 and being carried out on most days. ANTARCTIC

From December 17 to February 6 Mr January. Samples were taken from several Clement carried out a Weddell seal pro for Carbon 14 dating. The time was long gramme from Scott Base. He continued enough to cover most of the valley floor population studies, assessed the feasi but a large area of the slopes remains bility of a behavioural study of the Turk's unsurveyed. It is hoped to complete the Head colony, surveyed and mapped the mapping with the help of the United mummified seals of the Taylor Valley, States Antarctic Research Programme at and supervised the killing of seals and Lake Bonney in the coming season. the collection of data from them. Mr Clement spent three days at Turk's Resighting and counting thc seal popu Head from January 20 to 22. But a wide lations took almost three weeks, three moat of open water between the land census flights being made by helicopter. and sea ice prevented the party from mov In December most of the seals in colonics ing off the promentory. Thc seals had between the Erebus glacier tongue and nearly all dispersed from thc area, mov Cape Royds were visited, seals counted ing back into more stable cracks at the and tag combinations recorded. base of the Erebus glacier tongue. With two assistants Mr Clement spent Thc remaining week of January was three days at White Island from Decem spent at Cape Bird. Several censuses were ber 31, and made an extensive survey to made along the length of thc beach, and locate all the seals of the isolated popula untagged seals were marked for identifi tion there. Another survey was made in cation. early February by a party from Scott During the time at Scott Base between Basc. In early January Mr Clement made field trips six seals were killed. The car an unscheduled trip to Cape Royds, and cases were used for dog food, and data on the return journey to Scott Base was from the seals was collected by Mr able to visit most of the colonies along Clement and Dr W. Featherston, of the thc west coast of Ross Island again. University of Otago. In February three Remains of more than 60 seals were more days were spent on the main seal recorded and mapped by Mr Clement and kill. The measurements and lower jaws an assistant during the five days they of all seals were collected, and also the spent in the Taylor Valley in mid- females' reproductive tracts. New Edition of Antarctic Pilot

For more than 40 years the "Antarctic by much information gathered during the Pilot" has been accepted generally as the scientific voyages of the 1920's. Some of best guide to the Antarctic from the sea it was the work of Lieutenant-Com man's point of view. A fourth edition mander R. T. Gould, who was a very has been prepared by Captain G. A. thorough and meticulous Antarctic his French, R.N. (retd.) and will appear this torian. year. The second edition, issued in 1948, The first edition, published in 1931, included the valuable list of Antarctic was taken partly from South Atlantic voyages started by Gould, and very much directories, and partly from the "Indian enlarged by Dr Brian Roberts, of the Ocean Pilots." They dated back to the Scott Polar Research Institute. This was middle of the 19th century. Some of the omitted from thc third edition, published information, like the descriptions of the in 1961. and now can be found only in South Shetlands by the Dundee sealer, the "Polar Record" for 1958. Captain Robert Fildes. and Captain Dr Roberts, who served with John James Cook's reports were (and are still) Rymill's 1934-37 expedition to Graham included as the most accurate accounts Land, is preparing an up-to-date and even available. fuller list of voyages which should appear This early material was supplemented in the "Polar Record". ANTARCTIC

B.A.S. ACTIVITIES Director of survey flies to old Shackleton base A reconnaissance of possible sites for future field work in the Shackle ton Range was made by Dr R. M. Laws, director of the British Antarctic Survey, during his three months in the Antarctic last season. He flew there in one of thc survey's de Havilland Twin-Otter aircraft, and also visited Shackleton, the old Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition base, estab lished at Vahscl Bay on the Filchner Ice Shelf in 1956. The hut was found to be in very good condition with the radio masts and thc apex of the roof still visible. It could be useful as an advance base if work is resumed in the Shackleton Range. Dr Laws, who returned to Britain at thc Marguerite Bay area, during which the beginning of April, visited the seven occu Biscoe relieved the Adelaide and Stoning pied B.A.S. bases, and also a number of ton Island bases (in stages, when weather field parties and some unoccupied bases, and seas permitted), and spent some time and also a number of field parties and sealing for dog food. This gave Dr Laws some unoccupied bases. He left behind the opportunity to do some biological for the winter 88 men. Four of them are work. at Fossil Bluff in George VI Sound, and Future field programmes were dis the rest are at the six main bases, one of cussed with the basc members, ship's which is the new complex of buildings at officers and pilots. The Biscoe then pro Halley Bay. ceeded north to the Argentine Islands At the end of January Dr Laws arrived base and the United States Palmer at Halley Bay in the Royal Research Ship Station on Anvers Island. The new Barnsficld. In the next two weeks he emergency snow landing-strip on nearby Doumer Island was inspected and found supervised the final stages of the transfer to the new complex. He also made the to bc very satisfactory; it should be a reconnaissance flights inland to the great improvement on the old airstrips Shackleton Range in thc Twin-Otter, on Anvers Island. which arrived from Adelaide Island on Thc ship then returned to the Falk February 6 to take the director across to lands. and Dr Laws and other members the Antarctic Peninsula to join the P.R.S. of thc London office staff flew home by John Biscoe. way of Buenos Aires, visiting the Insti On February 10 the Twin-Otter took tuto Antartico Argcntino en route. The off for Adelaide Island. The weather was Biscoe arrived back at Southampton on April 25. generally good throughout thc 7}-hour flight, but because of poor visibility over SUMMER VISITORS Marguerite Bay, the aircraft was diverted Meanwhile, the R.R.S. Bransfield left to Fossil Bluff. The two nights spent there Halley Bay on February 11, and returned enabled visits to be made to glaciologists to South Georgia and Signy Island before and biologists working at sites 20 and 40 proceeding to Mar del Plata, Argentina, miles to thc north. A geophysical party to pick up more summer visitors and staff working in thc mountains east of the for the bases. The summer visitors in sound was also visited on thc flight to cluded two distinguished guests: Dr O. G. Adelaide Island. Edholm, director of thc human physi Dr Laws then spent two weeks in the ology unit of the Medical Research June 1974 ANTARCTIC

BfctfS

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One of the steel tunnels of the new British Antarctic Survey base at Halley Bay before it was finally buried by snow. All the build;ngs of the base have been built inside the tunnels like those at the Australian base, Casey. B.A.S. Photo

Council, and Professor G. E. Fogg, pro She reached Southampton early this fessor of marine sciences at the Univer month. sity College of North Wales. Both have Summer melt was more extensive than been associated with the survey in an usual at the Antarctic Peninsula bases. advisory capacity for many years; Pro The Argentine Islands reported a record fessor Fogg is chairman of thc survey's high temperature of plus 9.4deg C (48.9 advisory committee. deg F) in February—the highest since The Bransfield then re-visited the west observations began there 27 years ago. coast of the Antarctic Peninsula and com As a result, various oddments which had pleted the relief of the Marguerite Bay frozen into the ice many years ago have bases, in spite of continuing gales and been reappearing. rough seas which made cargo handling Rain fell at Stonington Island again in very difficult and at times dangerous. She February and the island was bare of snow turned north again at the end of March for much of the summer. In thc absence and paid a final visit to the Argentine of snow, a land rover which was taken Islands before calling at Deception there this year by the Bransfield proved Island to see if any further eruptions had invaluable for moving stores. By the end occurred. (Thc island was evacuated at of the summer it had covered a distance the beginning of 1969, after a second of 230 miles in journeys around the basc. scries of eruptions; the first occurred at Further south, field parties in George the end of 1967.) VI Sound again suffered from melt-water The Bransfield then returned to the problems, but surfaces improved in April Falklands by way of Signy Island and and the four men wintering at Fossil Bluff South Georgia and set course for home. were then able to resume work in the ANTARCTIC area. Later, at the end of the month, A summer building team on Signy they transported two tons of supplies Island constructed a new generator shed across southern Alexander Island to the and boat shed and greatly improved thc Bach Ice Shelf, in preparation for next summer's field work, (jlaciological mea landing facilities by completing a slip way and clearing a channel to it. In addi surements were continued at a field site tion to the biological studies, which in on the ice shelf. volved maintenance of field huts and a WINTER ROUTINE diving programme, snow accumulation All equipment at Halley Bay has now studies were carried out and the topo been transrerred to the new buildings, and graphical survey continued. A series of the base has settled down to its winter seismographs was also installed for Pro routine. fessor Griffiths' geophysical project. A recent alarming experience at Halley Field work continued on South Bay was a salutary reminder that life in Georgia at various localities, but after thc the Antarctic is still hazardous. The base departure of the ships was confined to commander, an experienced Antarctic areas accessible overland or by launch traveller, was returning irom the radar from King Edward Point. Glaciological installation in a high wind and thick work on the Hodges Glacier catchment drift, using the hand-line, when he saw area was completed and the equipment what he thought was another man walk taken back to base. ing in the opposite direction. As his calls could not be heard above the noise of the wind he left the hand-line to warn the AIR OPERATIONS man and, having failed to find anyone, then realised that he himself was lost. The two B.A.S. Twin-Otter aircraft This occurred on Friday morning, and had a very successful season but were as soon as it was noticed that the com held up by prolonged bad weather in thc mander was missing search parties first half of February. However, an un combed the area, including all the out expected fine spell allowed them to fly a buildings and the old base huts. The glaciological party across the Antarctic search was continued all Friday and Sat Peninsula to the Larsen Ice Shelf for a urday but there was no trace of thc com few days, to complete their programme. mander. Although no-one would admit Three men were then taken to Fossil it, it was then unlikely that he would be Bluff for the winter and a new field hut found alive. was delivered for the Spartan Glacier But on Sunday morning, to everyone's project. immense relief the commander walked Thc aircraft returned to Adelaide into base unharmed and free of frost Island and finally left for Punta Arenas bite. Realising that he was lost he had on February 28. As usual, they were orientated himself by the wind direction flown to Canada for servicing during thc and attempted unsuccessfully to quarter Antarctic winter. One of the pilots, the area. David Rowley, has just retired from the As the blizzard continued, and it was survey after five seasons' outstanding getting dark, he dug himself a snow hole work. He has joined an airline operat with a frozen mitt and went to ground. When he woke he tried to find his way ing in Devon and Cornwall. back to base again but failed. With the H.M.S. Endurance was in Marguerite wind still blowing and darkness Bay at the same time as the Biscoe to approaching again he went to ground and carry out a hydrographic survey pro slept. gramme. While there she measured tellu- It was not until the next morning that rometer lines for the Stonington Island a lull in the wind made it possible for surveyors with the aid of her helicopters. the commander to recognise some stakes. She had already given valuable assistance Then he was able to make his way back to the survey on South Georgia earlier unharmed. in thc season. ANTARCTIC

B.A.S. bases had several visits from March. They had completed another other ships during thc season. On January season's work on the Scotia Arc project. 16 an Italian yacht, the San Guiseppe II visited the Argentine Islands. She stayed NEW BUILDING at the base until January 25. and during her visit provided what can only be des Plans for thc new B.A.S. headquarters cribed as "banquets" by Antarctic stan- in Cambridge are near completion. As planning permission has now been ob lards—pizzas, and huge mounds of tained it is hoped that work will start on spaghetti and macaroni—and also gave the base cook a number of useful the foundations early this month. If there arc no set-backs the building should be culinary hints. In February thc Italians visited Signy completed by August, 1975. It will house Island. They then spent some time at all the present scientific divisions of the South Georgia in March, making various survey together with the administration repairs before sailing for St Helena. in one U-shaped two-storey block. Thc Professor D. H. Griffiths and his geo complex will include a packing store, physical party aboard the R.R.S. vehicle workshop and an electronics Shackleton called at South Georgia in laboratory.

OBITUARY Dr Mackintosh was authority on whales in southern seas An authority on thc ecology and popu deputy director. Since 1936 he had lations of whales in Antarctic seas, and a edited the long series of Discovery distinguished biological oceanographcr, Reports to which he made many out Dr Neil Alison Mackintosh, died in Eng standing contributions, including one to land on April 9. He was 73. Between the 36th volume published at the begin 1933 and 1935 Dr Mackintosh in Dis ning of this year. In 1961 he established covery II made oceanographic surveys and became director of the institute's between South Georgia and the latitude whale research unit at the British of Cape Horn, and between South Museum (Natural History). Georgia and Enderby Land. He also did Dr Mackintosh's pioneer research into other work in the Scotia Sea, and made the biology of southern whales laid the a survey of the South Shetlands. foundations of most of the current know Professor Sir Alistcr Hardy wrote in ledge of the economically important "The Times" that Dr Mackintosh played species. His book, "Thc Stocks of a leading part in the long scries of Dis Whales", published in 1965, is an impor tant contribution to a study of their popu covery investigations in Antarctic seas from their inauguration in 1924 when he lations and conservation prospects. He led the advance party to establish and played a prominent part in the Interna take charge of the marine laboratory for tional Whaling Commission, being chair man of the scientific committee. thc study of whales on South Georgia. In addition to his work on whales Dr Later he took part in three major Mackintosh published several important voyages of thc Discovery II, being leader papers on the macroplankton of the of two of them. Antarctic, and was the discoverer of the In 1936 Dr Mackintosh succeeded Dr remarkable seasonal virtical migration of Stanley Kemp as director of research many species. He received thc Polar until the fusion of the investigations in Medal in 1942, and in 1954 thc Royal 1949 with the new National Institute of Geographical Society honoured him by Oceanography of which he became the award of its Patron's Medal.

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SOVIET NEWS Southern Ocean's level was higher 1,000,000 years ago Scientists of the 19th Soviet Antarctic Expedition found lichen and moss 7,260ft above sea level in the Prince Charles Mountains of Mac Robertson Land last season. Other scientists working in Eastern Antarctica far from the coast discovered shells, fossil marine organisms, mummified seals and seal skeletons. From a study of these they have decided that during the Quaternary Period 1,000,000 years ago the level of thc Southern Ocean was 1,220ft higher. Last season 750 seamen, pilots, tacked Once the Antarctic was a blooming, vehicle drivers, builders, and scientists, warm land with thick woods of beech took part in the expedition. Among them trees, araucarias, ferns, laurel trees, and were gcodesists from East Germany, even palms, writes Tserkover. Soviet biologists from Poland, and a United geologists, headed by D. Solovyov, have States geophysicist. This winter there are discovered near Beaver Lake traces of 233 men at thc six Soviet stations. Molo tropical soils and coal-bearing formations dezhnaya in Enderby Land—the main similar to the Paleozoic beds in Europe, Soviet research centre—has one of the with traces of fossil flora. largest staffs—94 specialists in various American scientists from Dr D. H. fields — meteorologists, geophysicists, Elliofs group in 1969 have made similar radio engineers, builders, welders, discoveries on Mount Sirius in the Trans- mechanics, drivers, diesel engineers, doc antarctic Mountains, 400 miles away from tors, and cooks. the South Pole. Moreover, upon Mount In Eastern Antarctica members of thc Sirius thc explorers have found the skulls, last expedition continued the comprehen bones, and even whole skeletons of nearly sive exploration of the coast of Mac 400 vertebrates, including reptiles, whose Robertson Land. They made a geological absolute age is about 200 million years— survey of the mountains framing thc a prehistoric giant lizard, amphibians, central part of the Lambert Glacier, and and a labyrinthodont. In short, these are a reconnaissance for future geological the remains of prehistoric animals which exploration of the Larsemann Hills on before had been found in Southern Asia the Ingrid Christensen Coast, and the and in Africa. Bolingen Islands lying about five miles SHELLS AND SEALS west-south-west of thc hills. Thc charac- Soviet scientists E. Korotkcvich and P. tcrists of minerals discovered by previous Voronov have found in the eastern expeditions were also studied. of the Antarctic, far from the coast, a "Izvcstia", the Soviet newspaper, which has a circulation of 8,500,000 daily, sent great number of shells, petrified sea organisms, mummified seals and seal a special correspondent to the Antarctic skeletons. Having studied all these finds, with the 19th expedition. A copy of his as well as thc surrounding locality, the article, "The Sixth Continent Reveals its scientists arrived at the conclusion that Secrets", has been supplied to "Antarctic" during the Quaternary Period the level by the Novosti Press Agency. In it the of the Southern Ocean had been 370 correspondent, Eduard Tserkover, des metres (1220ft) higher. cribes the flora and fauna of Antarctica, Though Antarctica seems lifeless and and the discoveries of Soviet scientists. silent at present, it is alive. Not far from ANTARCTIC

Mirny, the Soviet Antarctic station, and lichen and moss at a height of 2200 on Khmara, Kikov, Fulmar and Haswell metres (7260ft) above sea level in thc Islands there are noisy bird colonics Prince Charles Mountains, while only where one can find albatrosses, sea-gulls, 500 kilometres (320 miles) away from the roseate terns, snow petrels, blue-eyed South Pole there can be found spots of a cormorants, pigeons and penguins. The certain dry and hard vegetation. This latter must have settled there 2000 years only proves how persistent life is! ago—scientists have determined the age The largest "inhabitant" of Antarctic of the sediments in the penguin colonies dry land is thc wingless mosquito (Bel by applying the radio-carbon method. gica Antarctica), five millimetres long. In Dozens of well-fed Weddell seals lie bask the moss can bc found hardly perceptible ing in the sun. puss moths and mites that survive at a The coastline fauna is very diverse and great height up to 86deg S. In the inland rich. Polish biologists, members of the water reservoirs, such as Lakes Glubo- 19th expedition, have gathered hundreds koye and Kitczh, a great number of of starfish, sponges, sea cucumbers and cymatoa have been caught, including bivalve molluscs. branchipods, arthropods, rotizera and There are whole thickets of algae by sloths. Of course the fauna is not very the Antarctic coast. While in thc water rich, but, on the other hand, Antarctica they look red, green or brown, but they is the only continent free of such pests often turn dull or lose their colour alto as flies, bed-bugs and snakes. gether in the air. The hanging algae, which are of a bright yellow-orange colour and not found anywhere else, also become colourless when taken out of the DIPLOMAS AND water. British underwater naturalists say that they have discovered these algae MEDALS near Deception Island where they grow After nearly 20 years in the Antarctic in bunches up to 50 centimetres long and the Soviet expeditions have established only about a centimetre thick. traditional methods of welcoming new Walking in the sparkling white snow comers to their stations. Each new party in the mountains of thc Antarctic one receives a specially made symbolic key can see that though this land has a great to the station its members have to man. deal fewer animals and less vegetation On Mid-winter's Day men who are in that the other continents, it is not lifeless. All of a sudden the snow drifts turn the Antarctic for the first time receive special diplomas. At some of the smaller green or red. This means that they are covered with coloured snow algae. stations every man is presented with a hand-made medal. Every first ship or aircraft bringing LICHEN SPECIES a new party is saluted by salvoes from In the environs of Bellingshausen flare pistols, and national flags are dis Station one can find two kinds of flowers, played. Last season Moldezhnaya, the the only ones in Antarctica, hair grass main Soviet centre in Antarctica, was and a representative of the clover family. able to fly the flags of five countries, in Besides these there are lichens—green, cluding the Soviet Union. black, brown and grey. 200 species alto In a report from Molodezhnaya the gether, and about 70 varieties of moss. leader, Mr Pavel Senko, said that his The latter grows chiefly in oases. staff included representatives of various There can also be found on the An nationalities from Moscow, Leningrad, tarctic Continent peculiar miniature the Crimea, Siberia, and the Far East. "forests" where the vegetation grows in The station hoisted the flags of thc two tiers. The lower consists of all kinds U.S.S.R., the Mongolian People's Re of lichens that cover the rocks in a solid public, the German Democratic Repub film, while on top of it there grow lic, the Polish People's Republic, and bunches of other lichen. Wc also found the United States. ANTARCTIC

JARE 15 REPORTS Scientists find meteorites in Yamato mountains About a dozen meteorites were found near thc Yamate Mountains by scientists of the 14th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE 14) who made a traverse from Syowa Station last summer. Ten men led by Mr Renji Naruse, a glaciologist who also wintered at Syowa in 1969, made a geological, glaciological, and terrestriat survey adound the mountains, and rcsurveyed thc strain grid band about 250km long along the parallel of 72deg S. The parly was the second to collect meteorites; the first was the JARE 10 traverse party which set up the strain grids in 1970.

Because of good ice conditions near laboratory) with a floor area of about Syowa Station and around the Russian 100 square metres was erected at the Molodezhnaya Station thc summer relief station. Programmes on biology, medical operation of JARE 15 was very success research, and geochemistry, are being ful. The party was led by the Antarctic carried out by members of JARE 15. research veteran, Professor Masayoshi Thc official change-over was completed Murayama, formerly director of the Polar on February 1, and the Fuji left Syowa Research Centre, and now assistant direc Station on February 6 and visited Molo tor of the new National Institute of Polar dezhnaya Station on February 12. It made Research. He was returning to Syowa oceanographic observations to the west Station for the seventh time. and back off Syowa Station up to 50deg Forty members of JARE 15 arrived S. A small party was sent to Shin-nan about January 1 in the icebreaker Fuji, Rock to make a geodetic survey and con which moored at the fast ice edge about duct earth science research for a few days. 36 nautical miles from the station. Most Another party made an astronomical of the cargo was transported by heli survey from the northern promontory of copters, and heavy vehicles and other the Riiser-Larsen Peninsula. materials were taken over thc sea ice. Summer scientific programmes were On March 6 the Fuji called at Cape carried out without major change except Town to disembark the JARE 14 winter for the postponement of an aerial photo- party led by Dr Takeo Hirasawa, an grammetric survey. This was caused by upper atmosphere physicist from the Uni the forced landing of an aircraft on the versity of Tokyo, and two observers, Dr ice-cap. The aircraft was not damaged Kiyoo Wadati, former president of the but minor repairs had to bc made to its Japanese National Committee on An landing skis. Mr Narusc's party com tarctic Research, and a member of JARE pleted its traverse to the Yamate Moun headquarters, and Dr Norberto Luis Bie- tains between November 10 last year and nati. an Argentine marine biologist. The January 29. JARE 14 party returned by air to Tokyo During the relief period a new labora on March 30, and the Fuji reached Tokyo tory for environmental research (a wet on April 20 after calling at Singapore.

Syowa, shown on the opposite page, is the sole permanent station of the Japan ese Antarctic Research Expedition. It is located on the north-east corner of East Ongul Island, which is three miles from the continent, off Prince Olav Coast. Syowa was established in 1957, closed temporarily in 1962, and reopened in 1965. June 1974 ANTARCTIC ANTARCTIC

On the other side of the Antarctic Con tinent Japanese scientists participated in French track the international Dry Valley Drilling Project last season. Eight scientists worked with United States and New Zea icebergs land scientists in the core description, geo chemical and geological research in the Icebergs in the Antarctic have been dry valleys, and also took part in the work tracked by the French E.O.L.E. satellite in the Thiel Earth Science Laboratory at in polar orbit for two years over distances McMurdo Station on the X-ray analysis between 2,000 and 2,500 miles for a long- of samples, and the preparation of thin range survey of the marine current flow rock sections of cores obtained from the ing around the continent. The project was drilling on Ross Island and in the dry planned by the National Space Research valleys. Centre which built the satellite and Ex Chemical elements and isotopes of the peditions Polaires Francaises. core samples arc now being analysed in For the survey E.O.L.E. was put to Japanese laboratories. Some of the results work between March 1, 1972, and Feb were presented at a seminar on the Dry ruary 10, 1973, tracking thc drift of four Valley Drilling Project in Seattle, Wash icebergs on which responding beacons ington, at thc end of last month. Future had been planted. The beacons were programmes and drilling plans for the interrogated by E.O.L.E., and replied, 1974-75 summer were discussed by New indicating their positions. They also Zealand, United States, and Japanese transmitted information by the satellite to delegates. Delegates from Japan were ground receiving stations, particularly to Professor Takesi Nagata, director of the those of the National Space Research National Institute of Polar Research, and Committee in Brittany. Professor Kou Kusunoki, head of the Although the exact path of the peri- institute's research division. Antarctic current was not established Since October last year Japan has had with complete accuracy, various facts a new government research organisation, were discovered by Professor Paul Tcher- the National Institute of Polar Research nia, of the French Natural History ("Antarctic", March, 1973, page 325). It Museum, who gathered and studied the was established under the direct jurisdic data relayed back by E.O.L.E. tion of the Ministry of Education to The east to west drift is continuous and replace the former Polar Research Centre, attached to the National Science Museum, fairly study along thc 65th and 70th parallels, over distances of about 1,250 Tokyo. miles. However, thc current makes com Objects of the new institute are to further polar research in Japan, carry out plete eddies between some meridians. In the programmes of the Japanese Antarctic addition, one of the icebergs observed Research Expeditions, and to organise drifted from west to east, in the opposite direction from the other three. post-graduate courses in polar subjects. The institute, which has legal status The next studies of thc peri-Antarctic almost equivalent to that of the national current will be concentrated more speci universities, is also available for use by fically in the area of these eddies. research workers from national and This first series of experiments is foreign universities, and private research designed to obtain a belter understanding organisations. of the exact influence of energy exchanges between the sea and the atmosphere. Such exchanges are particularly intense in the Antarctic, and it is important to deter mine their effect on the atmospheric cir culation around the earth as well as the hydrological structure of ocean water ANTARCTIC

AUSTRALIAN NEWS Huts built at Cape Denison withstand ceaseless winds Some of the huts built at Cape Denison, the main base of Sir Douglas Mawson's Australasian Antarctic Expedition, 1911-14, have survived more than 60 years of Antarctic snow drifts and blizzards without any mainten ance. They were visited in January this year by members of the Australian Antarctic Research Expeditions (A.N.A.R.E.) on the way to the French base Dumont D'Urville in Adelie Land and the Australian station at Casey.

Sir Douglas Mawson visited the Com- tarred paper lining—was found to be in monwealth Bay area again as leader of excellent condition and free of snow, the British, Australian, and New Zealand The expedition repaired the cross set Antarctic Expedition (B.A.N.Z.A.R.E.) up in memory of Lieutenant B. E. S. in 1929-31. Since then the only visitors Ninnis and Dr Xavier Mertz, who died to the basc have been an Australian ex- during a field trip from the base. Ninnis pedition in 1962 led by Dr Philip Law, disappeared in a crevasse in December, then director of the Antarctic Division of 1912, and Mertz died of hypcrvitaminosis the Department of External Affairs, A from eating husky liver in January, several French expeditions under Paul- 1913. Mawson was the sole survivor of Emile Victor, director of Expeditions the party, and his return over 100 miles Polaires Francaises, and two groups of of the Polar Plateau to the base remains New Zealand and United States scientists an epic in polar literature, and a classic who carried out scientific studies. feat of human endurance. On her way to relieve Casey the Thala During Mawson's second Antarctic ex- Dan called at Dumont D'Urville and pedition in 1929-31 thc Australian flag landed six French expedition members. was hoisted at Cape Denison at noon on The expedition, led by Mr A. E. Hum- January 5. 1931, and a proclamation phreys. senior engineer, and Dr D. J. deposited in a casket at thc foot of the Lugg, senior medical officer, of the An- flagpole, claiming possession for An tarctic Division. Department of Science, tralia of King George V Land—that seci- reached ice-free Commonwealth Bay in tion of the coastline between 142deg E the early evening of January 14. Mem- and 160dcg E. stretching southwards to bers of the expedition were ferried ashore the Pole, by helicopters in fine weather. The party this year found the original When Sir Douglas Mawson himself re- proclamation still in place. They raised visited Cape Denison in 1931. he was the Australian flag again, and held a short surprised to find that his old hut had ceremony to commemorate the work of withstood 20 years of ceaseless, violent Mawson and his men, whose efforts laid winds. By 1974 visitors found the main the foundation for contemporary Aus- hut—built of wood, and measuring 42ft tralian Antarctic expeditions, by 24ft—filled with ice and snow, but in The memorial cross and plaque, and the a fair state of repair after more than 60 huts at Cape Denison have been desig- years of Antarctic weather. nated as historic monuments for per- Two other huts were in poor condi- mancnt preservation under the terms of tion. But a smaller hut used for magneto- the Antarctic Treaty. It is hoped that meter readings—built of tongued and restoration will take place before these grooved boards over a wooden frame with relics are damaged beyond repair. ANTARCTIC June 1974

:N&

Dr D. J. Lugg (right), leader of the ANARE party, and the deputy leader, Mr A. E. Humphreys, investigating Mawson's magnetic hut at Cape Denison when the Thala Dan called there in January this year. The sealed box contained mes sages from parties who had visited the area in the past decade, and the candles had been left by a previous party. Australian Antarctic Division Photo: J. Stalker

Mawson told in his book, "The Home reduce the load and pulled it himself. of the Blizzard", how he managed to When his boots gave way, he walked on survive one of the worst ideals in the his the ice and snow with his bare feet tory of scientific discovery. He, Ninnis, wrapped in rags. and Mertz, were a sledging party which It took him one month—with no break was exploring inland from Common in the appalling weather—to cover the wealth Bay. They were 300 miles from last 100 miles and reach the base at Cape home when Ninnis and one of the two Denison, where some members of the dog sledges disappeared down a huge expedition were still waiting. Their crevasse, at least 150ft deep. relief ship, the Aurora, however, had In bad weather. Mawson and Mertz sailed for Australia the day before. Maw pressed on with the remaining sledge and son and his companions having been few supplies. They were forced to kill given up for dead. Mawson had to remain their dogs for food. After 200 miles another year in the Antarctic before the Mertz died. His death was attributed to base party was relieved. poor food and exhausting conditions but in 1968 two Australian doctors estab lished that the cause was acute vitamin A poisoning from the husky liver. Mawson, himself weakened, cut the remaining sledge down to half size to :*VV'" ^m V

ANTARCTIC Men and women at U.S. bases begin winter isolation Record high temperatures were recorded at United States stations in the Antarctic last summer. Since the sun set for the last time until the end of August, and 161 men and two women began four months of winter darkness little snow has fallen, but temperatures have dropped sharply. Early in May the Amundeson-Scott South Pole Station recorded a mini mum temperature of minus 72.8deg Fahrenheit, and a maximum of minus 56deg.

Thirteen men at the Pole Station last William Nickell. of Boulder City, Nev saw the sun on March 20. On April 24 ada, was killed in a truck accident. the men and two women scientists at Mr Nickell. who was employed by a McMurdo Station watched the sun sink sub-contractor for the National Science below the horizon at 12.45 p.m. Nearly Foundation, was driving a truck over the a month earlier there was a ship launch hill between McMurdo Station and Scott ing ceremony near the station, and one Base when it left the road and went of the women scientists. Dr Mary A. 600ft down an embankment. Mr Nickell McWhinnie, of de Paul University. Min was thrown clear, and was found 50ft nesota, cracked a bottle of wine in below the truck on the snowy slopes traditional fashion to christen the Riff leading to thc sea ice. Raft, a new research vessel which will be used for a biological sampling pro POLE STREAKERS ject in McMurdo Sound. Towards the end of the mad March Despite the cold weather representa days at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole tives of the National Science Founda Station two hardy petty officers con tributed to the streaking craze. They tion, the United States Navy, and Scott Base, attended thc launching of the Riff raced nude in a 10ft radius round the Raft. It is al2ft square raft with a ply South Pole. The temperature was more wood deck and a steel frame with eight than 70 degrees below zero. Antarctic veterans were not impressed 55-gallon drums welded together for flotation. In the centre of the deck is a by the performance, which was a long 42in hole. way from being a famous first. There have been men running bare in freez The main propulsion for Ihe raft is by means of a steel cable attached to a ing temperatures for many years, but they never boasted of their hardiness; power winch on a truck ashore. Three the term "streaking" had not been heard Navy men wearing wet suits will act as of. crew for Dr McWhinnie and Dr S. During the International Geophysical Rakusa-Suszcewski. a Polish exchange Year a distinguished American scientist scientist. They will study krill. the at Little America was reported to have shrimp-like crustacean endemic to An walked from a steam bath 200yds in tarctic waters. sub-zero temperatures, clad only in his Because mechanical equipment has boots. And later men at the old almost replaced dogs Antarctica can have Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station built traffic accidents like other parts of the their own version of a steam bath. It world. On May 16 McMurdo Station was no novelty to see several steaming had a road death. Thc manager of the bodies streak out for a brisk rub down biology laboratory. 26-ycar-old Gregory with snow. ANTARCTIC U.S. NAVY PLANS TO RETURN TO CUTTING ICE WITH SAW Seventy years ago 30 men from the Discovery spent a fortnight vainly trying to saw through the 6ft thick ice sheet which held their ship in Winter Quarters Bay. Since United States operations began in the Antarctic nearly 20 years ago icebreakers have been used each season to cut a channel through the ice in McMurdo Sound for the supply ships to reach the wharf in Winter Quarters Bay below McMurdo Station.

Now the United State Navy has plans where the ships dock. A network of for the use of a giant saw capable of steel cables was used to brace the smaller cutting through ice 30ft thick to ease broken portions to thc main part, and the movements of the supply ships next hold the whole wharf together. season, and to face the seaward edge of Saws have been used successfully to the 28ft thick ice wharf which was used release ships from ice since Scott's day. successfully last season. It is hoped to During her 1923-24 expedition to the use the giant saw to cut the last few Ross Sea the 13,000-ton whaling factory hundreds yards of the half-mile chan ship Sir James Clark Ross was caught nel from the turning area to the berth in ice 5ft to 6ft thick. With five whale ing area, and also to trim the irregular catchers towing astern and the ship's facing of the ice wharf so the ships can screw turning she would not budge. berth more easily. Using huge, single-handed saws, and Commander T. Kirkpatrick, who con working for more than five hours, the ceived the idea of an ice wharf in Win crew sawed the ship free. ter Quarters Bay. says the intention at this stage is to have thc ice saw mounted on a power-driven sledge, and have it winched along the lines of a proposed cut in the ice. Plastic would be inserted Base commander in the cuts to keep them open—in Scott's day the saw cuts quickly froze leaves over. An icebreaker would then tow the One of the most popular United chunks of ice out. A saw will make States Navy officers associated with cleaner cuts in the ice than an ice Antarctic operations left Christchurch breaker. last month to take up a staff appoint Unloading of cargo at the ice wharf ment with the North Atlantic Treaty last season proved that it was an effici Organisation in Naples. Commander R. ent base from which to work. Cargo G. Davis has been in command of the placed in the veteran supply ship John Antarctic support force base at Christ R. Towle during 12 days at Lyttelton church for the last three years. He has was unloaded on thc ice wharf in 44 been replaced by Commander R. Moss, hours. who has been responsible for training Unfortunately the heavy ice-breaking naval aviators at Pensacola, Florida. needed to cut out the turning area in Commander Davis served with the Winter Quarters Bay produced cracks Navy's VX6 Squadron in the Antarctic in the ice wharf which ran through the during the 1957-58 International Geo entire width at one end. Additional bol physical Year, and flew Neptune aircraft lards had to be placed in the wharf for two seasons. When he returned to which stretches 650ft along the shore, Christchurch he spent his summers and and is 460ft across on the seaward side winters in the city. ANTARCTIC Bacteria frozen for 10,000 years grow in Antarctic laboratory Bacteria frozen in a state of suspended animation in Antarctica for at least 10,000 years revived when exposed to air, and have grown in active colonies in the Eklund Biological Centre at McMurdo Station, according to two United States scientists, Dr Roy E. Cameron, and Mr Frank A. Morelli. Thc first of the living bacteria were found in a core sample from a depth of about 420ft during the Dry Valley Drilling Project conducted on Ross Island by United States, New Zealand, and Japanese scientists. Later samples were found there, and also in the Taylor Valley, about 60 miles north-west, where a New Zealand drilling team worked at New Harbour last season.

In a report to the National Science relevance for understanding the ability Foundation Dr Cameron and Mr Mor of micro-organisms to remain frozen in elli, of the Darwin Research Institute, a state of suspended animation for hun said that the bacteria were found in dreds of thousands of years. Scientists permanently frozen ground and sedi involved in the project to send an un ment cores. Using aseptic techniques manned Viking spacecraft to Mars in and a sterilised hand drill, chips were 1976 to attempt to detect life in the removed from the centre of the cores. Martian soil will obviously be interested The samples put in nutrient broth—to in findings in the Antarctic cores. see what, if anything, would grow— In recent years, many scientists have were taken from sediment in cores re speculated that Mars may once have moved from depths between about 250ft had a surface environment much more and 1,400ft. hospitable than the dry and frigid desert Dr Cameron reported that the mini believed to exist there now. If so, scien mum age of the cores in which the bac tists have reasoned, life may have teria were found was estimated by geolo developed on the Martian surface and gists at the drilling site to be 10,000 might still survive, frozen under the years. The deeper sections of the cores. present surface. Dr Cameron says that in which bacteria were also found, the scientists involved in the Viking could be as much as 1,000,000 years old. Lander project may well speculate that An Antarctic veteran, Dr Cameron has if no life forms are found on the surface headed eight research projects on the of Mars, the sub-surface permafrost of continent, seven under the auspices of the planet may hold the key to ancient thc California Institute of Technology and living biota deep within it. Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and one for the Darwin Research Institute. He and NOT IDENTIFIED Mr Morelli, who were assisted last sea None of the bacteria has yet been son by four students from the Virginia identified, although all were motile Polytechnic Institute and State Univer (equipped with fine hair-like append sity, have both conducted research in ages that propel the individuals) and Antarctica under the National Aero were rodshaped. One type, found in a nautics and Space Administration's pro section of marine sedimentary rock gramme for extra-terrestrial life detection from a depth of about 280ft formed on Mars. unusual doughtnut-shaped colonies that Dr Cameron believes that the results grew or flowed in towards the centre as of the discovery could have tremendous the colony expanded. ANTARCTIC

Last season scientists from the Dar These bacteria appeared different at win Research Institute and thc Virginia each depth. In every cae they were un Polytechnic and State University were like those occurring in the surrounding responsible for environmental impact environment, including the laboratory monitoring of the drill sites on Ross and the freezer where the cores were Island and in the dry valleys to the stored. Mr Morelli says that samples north-west on the other side of Mc were taken from the same core five Murdo Sound. times during the season with the same CORE SAMPLES results in each case. During their monitoring work Mr Dr Cameron and his team made their Morelli and his team found bacteria in find later in the season. The last drilling a core section from about 420ft beneath done for the season by the New Zealand the surface at the drilling site near the drillers was at New Harbour, about five earth science laboratory at McMurdo miles from Lake Fryxell at the mouth Sound. Later the team found living of the Taylor Valley. Core samples con bacteria and associated fossil diatoms taining thc bacteria came from drilling in samples from the centre of the core into beach and delta deposits to a depth at depths of about 750ft, 1070ft, and of about 520ft. 1.400ft respectively. DR LEWIS FAILS TO FINISH TRIP AROUND ANTARCTICA Dr David Lewis, the 56-year-old New Zealand-born adventurer, was forced to abandon his attempt to circumnavigate the Antarctic Continent single-handed in his 32ft steep sloop Ice Bird on February 24 when he was 800 miles south-west of Cape Town. His sloop was capsized in a Force 12 hurricane, and the mast and self-steering gear were smashed. Then he sailed the Ice Bird under jury rig, steering by hand day and night, for 25 days, and entered harbour at Cape Town on March 20. In October, 1972, Dr Lewis left Sydney but there was no indication that he had on thc first leg of his 17,000-milc voyage. seen the signals. He reached Palmer Station, the United On January 5 the Ice Bird reached States base on Anvers Island, off the An Berge Bay on Signy Island, in the South tarctic Peninsula on January 28 last year, Orkney Islands, where there is a B.A.S. 86 days after leaving from Halfmoon Bay, base. Stewart Island. The Ice Bird had been After two days at Signy Island making capsized in two storms and dismasted, minor repairs and waiting for favourable and Dr Lewis postponed the next stage weather, Dr Lewis sailed on January 8, of the voyage because the Ice Bird needed expecting to complete thc third leg of his repairs, and his hands and feet were frost voyage in May. Disaster struck late on bitten. the afternoon of Sunday, February 24. Men at Palmer Station repaired the Ice At two o'clock in the afternoon the Ice Bird last winter, and Dr Lewis began the Bird was slammed over on its side twice second leg of his voyage on December by the force of the gale. Then at 4.15 12. Less than two days after leaving p.m. the sloop was capsized to port and Palmer Station he was trapped in pack ice the mast was broken. By 5 p.m. the hur for three days. He was sighted for a few ricane had dropped to Force 10 and the days north of the British Antarctic Sur barometer was rising so Dr Lewis decided vey's Argentine Islands base in pack ice. to attempt to sail to Cape Town under Fires were lit at the base and flares let off jury rig when the weather improved. ANTARCTIC

TOURISM ORGANISED PARTIES NO THREAT IN ANTARCTIC By BADEN NORRIS It is no secret that the advent of tourism to Antarctica has been accepted grudgingly, and with many misgivings. I, like many others, felt uneasy for the future well-being of polar wildlife, feared for the sanctity of the historic places, and hoped that every effort would be made to keep visits by tourists to a minimum.

Therefore I welcomed the opportunity sented Britain on many occasions as a early this year to go south in the Lind small-boat sailor. blad Explorer to the sub-Antarctic Thc Lindblad Explorer's first landfall islands, McMurdo Sound, and the An was the Auckland Islands. We landed by tarctic Peninsula, and to see for myself zodiac rubber boats (the secret behind the just what happens when tourists visit success of this ship) at Erebus Cove, Port Antarctic. There were 93 passengers on Ross, and began the first of a series of the cruise, but I must emphasise that they interesting landings in the sub-Antarctic were all very conservation minded, and to and the Antarctic. Before we sailed for a degree selected for their interest in the Campbell Island we inspected the cast Antarctic. Therefore this particular away depot and the old cemetery of the expedition might be representative of settlement of Hardwicke. The station staff Antarctic tourism in general. at Campbell Island welcome us warmly, Once again the expedition was led by guided us to the nesting royal albatrosses, Lars Eric Lindblad. He was assisted by and shared our Christmas dinner aboard Dr Roger Tory Peterson, a noted United the ship. States ornithologist, who led the 1969 We had another friendly welcome from expedition. Dr Peterson took part in the thc A.N.A.R.E. station staff when we United States Antarctic Research Pro called at Macquarie Island. Some of the gramme in 1965, and is widely known as time was spent walking two miles south an author, artist, scientist, photographer, along the beach to the Nuggets to inspect and lecturer. His field guides have be the huge colony of royal penguins. On come standard guides for the identifica the way we passed elephant seals, and tion of birds by students and experts alike gentoo, king, and rock happy penguins. in the United States and Europe, and his On January 2 after pushing through bird paintings and prints are widely thick ice we reached Robertson Bay, and known. at one o'clock in the morning the Lind Other members of the scientific staff blad Explorer anchored off Cape Adare, were Mr Keith Shackleton, a leading the tall basaltic headland, which looked British painter of wildlife and marine grim and uninviting in the early light. We subjects, and Mr John Green, who served landed immediately and proceeded along with the British Antarctic Survey for Ridley Beach to the hut erected by Borch several years. Mr Shackleton, who is a grevink's South Cross Expedition in 1899. relative of Sir Ernest Shackleton, was a This hut was cleared of snow, tidied up, member of the staff on thc Lindblad Ex and strengthened, in February last year plorer's cruise in 1970, illustrated "Birds by Mr S. Norman, deputy-leader at Scott of the Atlantic Ocean", and has repre Base, and Mr L. K. Cairns. ANTARCTIC

After the visitors had inspected the Galindez Island, one of the Argentine interior of the hut, which was treated Islands, where the staff of the British with reverence, the door was sealed, and Antarctic Survey base welcomed the outside four bronze plaques were erected. chance to meet the tourists. This island These, provided by the Antarctic Divi was discovered by thc French explorer, sion, Department of Scientific and Indus Jean Charcot, on his 1903-1905 expedi trial Research, outline the history of the tion. building in English, French, Spanish, and Then the ship sailed north through Russian. Penola Strait and the beautiful Lemaire Keith Shackleton and I then climbed Channel to Anvers Island where the up Cape Adare, and after some time tourists visited the United States Palmer located thc grave of Nicolai Hanson, the Station. The old whaling station at Port expedition's zoologist, who was the first Lockroy proved a good place to photo man to be buried on the continent. The graph nesting gentoo penguins before white cross picked out in quartz pebbles, visiting Paradise Bay and the hospitable which was placed on the grave by Petty Argentine station, Almirante Brown. On Officer Frank Browning, of Lieutenant the steaming beaches of Deception Island V. L. A. Campbell's northern party of the tourists were able to see a unique Scott's last expedition in 1911, is still in sight—penguins swimming in thermal place. But we found that the brass plate water. wired to the iron cross on top of the King George Island came next with boulder which marks the site, had been visits to Potter Cove (known to sealers as blown off. early as 1821) to see the wildlife, and then From Robertson Bay the Lindblad Ex on to the Russian base, Bellingshausen, plorer steamed through heavy ice to Cape and the Chilean base, Presidente, Edou- Hallett, and then to Cape Bird before arde Frei, which stand check by jowl. mooring to deadmen at Cape Royds for When we arrived thc men at both bases three days. Thc tourists visited the his were recovering from a visit the previous toric huts at Cape Royds and Cape Evans, day by a Spanish cruise ship. According and at no time were the buildings, con to the Chileans, it landed 900 passengers, tents or the surrounding area treated who disturbed both the penguins and the with anything but respect. I was im station staff. This is the type of tourism pressed by the way all the visitors kept Antarctica can well do without—too their voices to a whisper when they were many tourists and lack of control. in the huts, almost as though they were The last stop was Hope Bay, which at a shrine. indents the tip of Palmer Peninsula and Several nations were represented opens on Antarctic Sound. It was dis among the Lindblad Explorer's pas covered in 1902 by the Swedish explorer, sengers. I was the only New Zealander, Nordenskjold, who named it in com but the party had the opportunity to memoration of the winter spent there by meet other New Zealanders from Scott three members of his expedition. Base who arrived by dog sledge and Here the tourists received thc friend tracked vehicle. On the walk from the liest welcome of the whole cruise from ship to Cape Evans and back there were the men at the Argentine Army base of several women in the party. I am certain Esperanza. The buildings were thrown this would be the first time women have open to all, and vehicles were provided to made this journey. take parties up Mount Flora to collect From McMurdo Sound the Lindblad plant fossils. Explorer sailed round the continent to By the time we reached Ushuaia, thc the Antarctic Peninsula. During the 10- most southern city in the world, on the day voyage an elderly passenger from island of Tierra del Fuege, I was con California, Mr Earl Youngmeyer, died. vinced that tourist expeditions as well He was buried on January 17 in the ice organised and led as thc one of which I berg strewn Pendleton Strait. was a member offer very little threat to Thc expedition's first call was at the Antarctic. ANTARCTIC

SUB-ANTARCTIC Calls at Campbell Island by ships and aircraft After nearly eight months members of thc expedition on Campbell Island have had their first experience of sub-Antarctic winter weather. They began their service on the island early in October last year after a stormy passage in the Holmburn from Wellington; last month a period of reason ably fine weather—Campbell Island style—was broken, and May demon strated what early winter is like beyond 50deg South. Campbell Island is an isolated station, but so far the expedition has had an unusual number of visitors by sea and air. Four ships called in December, and another in April. In addition a Royal New Zealand Air Force Orion dropped a container of newspapers on December 27. Urgently needed replacement parts, and the usual mail were dropped by parachute from an R.N.Z.A.F. Bristol Freighter which flew south on April 4. In a report from the island last month put in for thc evening, the leader, Rex Firman, says that the Christmas Day was a long, enjoyable, Roaring Forties really roared for the and exciting day for everyone. A third party on the voyage south. Thc Holm- ship dropped anchor. It was the Lindblad burn rolled and pitched, and the men Explorer, and Campbell Island produced were glad to step ashore at Bccman Cove its third fine day in a row to welcome on October 7. A major breakdown of the the tourists. ship's boat, and bad weather during the Since all the visits another road has unloading of cargo, prolonged the annual been built to the meteorological store, servicing of the station longer than usual. and the other one has been extended to- More snow fell in thc last weeks of last wards the balloon shed, year than for most of 1972. But the party First victim of May's bad weather was completed its most urgent task—the in- the research vessel Acheron. It arrived stallation of seven new 500-gallon copper from Dunedin with a replacement tech- water tanks in the supply system. This nician on May 1. It brought welcome now gives the station a main supply of mail, newspapers, and fresh food, and 5,000 gallons in rust-proof tanks, and a Department of Scientific and Industrial reserve of 1,000 gallons from two tanks Research technicians to service equip- coupled on to thc food store. ment at the station. But because of very December was visitors' month, and at heavy seas it had to turn back on its one stage a ship a day called for three return voyage and shelter in the harbour days in a row. There was a surprise visit for nearly a week. on December 13 by the New Zealand Because of bad weather the R.N.Z.A.F. Oceanographic Institute's research ship Bristol Freighter had to make two Tangaroa, which put in for thc night to attempts to drop the urgently needed make some repairs. replacement parts early in April. The Ten days later the United States Coast weather clouded over just as thc aircraft Guard icebreaker Glacier called with arrived over the island on April 3, and it stores and welcome mail—the first for had to turn back. Thc next day, however, nearly three months. The next day (Dec- there were no clouds or wind, and a per- ember 24) a Japanese vessel, the Satsu feet drop was made on Homestead Maru 17, which was fishing in the area, Plateau. ANTARCTIC THE READER WRITES Sidelights of Antarctic Research Letters, preferably not longer than 500 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 RELICS of the striped pole on the garage roof all Sir,—Soon New Zealand will have an year. If the ball is still in ihe possession Antarctic centre of international interest of the Siple family they might be per in the new wing of the Canterbury suaded to present it to the Antarctic Museum. A feature of the centre will be centre. the collection of relics of Antarctic ex Since the International Geophysical ploration from several parts of the world. Year there have been many visitors to the Most of the relics relate to the Heroic historic huts on Ross Island. Some of Age of exploration. Now, I suggest, it is them are known to have taken small items time to add to that collection items of from the huts as souvenirs. Could the historic interest from the new age of owners be appealed to for the return of scientific research which began nearly 20 the items as gifts to the museum? I have years ago with the International Geo in mind an author who visited Scott's hut physical Year. at Cape Evans in 1958-59. In his book In 1956-57 men began living at the he records that "among treasured sou South Pole for the first time, and relics venirs" are "a glass inkwell on which 'R. of the establishment of the Amundsen- F. Scott' had been written, also a bottle Scott South Pole Station would add to of Indian ink marked 'Wilson'." the interest of the Antarctic centre collec Yours etc., tion. Perhaps an approach could be made JAMES PIGG. to Lieutenant John Tuck, United States Navy leader at the Pole Station in the SCOTT BASE HUSKIES first winter (now Professor Tuck), and the Sir,—The recent interest shown in the relatives of the scientific leader, the late future of dog teams at Scott Base raises Dr Paul Siple. some interesting points. I mention Dr Siple in particular The obvious advantages in not keeping because when he left New Zealand for dog teams at Scott Base is that Weddell the United States after his year at the seals will not be killed each year for dog Pole he took with him what he called a food. sentimental souvenir. It was a 16-inch The Antarctic Treaty nations have gone mirrored glass ball which was fixed to the to great lengths to ensure the conserva top of the "South Pole", a bamboo pole tion of all wildlife in Antarctica, yet here painted in ascending alternate orange and are New Zealanders killing seals for no black stripes like an old-fashioned bar valid reason other than providing food ber's pole. The ball was dropped by for a group of dogs which, I understand, parachute from a Globemaster, and was are used mainly for recreation. put on the symbolic "South Pole" in the A number of seals is killed each year hope that the sunlight flashing off the for dubious scientific purposes, and even ornament would make the station more if it is correct that there are many hun easily visible from the air. dreds of seals about Scott Base, it has Dr Siple bought two silvered glass balls been proved that the killing of even a few from a Christchurch firm which obtained each year can upset future populations them from Australia, and when he left and breeding areas. the Pole Station he exchanged the spare Yours etc., one with the one that had been on top LEPTONYCHOTES.

! >¥v. ANTARCTIC Mawson expedition veterans Antarctic Society patrons Two veterans of Sir Douglas Mawson's British, Australian, and New Zealand Antarctic Research Expedition of 1929-1931 have accepted office as patrons of the New Zealand Antarctic Society. They are Sir Robert Falla, chairman of thc Nature Conservation Council since 1962, and Dr R. G. Simmers, who was director of the New Zealand Meteorological Service from 1963 to 1965.

Both men have had a long association thologist and education officer at the with Antarctic affairs. Sir Robert Falla is Auckland War Memorial Museum. He a former president of the Antarctic was assistant director from 1935 to 1937, Society, and in 1953 he and the secretary, director of thc Canterbury Museum from Mr A. S. Helm, wrote to the Prime Minis 1937 to 1947, and then director of the ter urging that a scientific station be set Dominion Museum until 1966. up in the Ross Dependency in time for Dr Simmers served in the Royal New New Zealand to take part in the work of Zealand Air Force during the Second the International Geophysical Year. Later World War; Sir Robert Falla was leader he was on the executive of the Ross Sea of one of thc coast watching parties of Committee, which was set up to organise the secret Cape Expedition which estab the New Zealand section of the Com lished bases in the Auckland Islands and monwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition. on Campbell Island. This expedition did Dr Simmers, who, like Sir Robert Falla, scientific and meteorological work, and was awarded the Polar Medal in bronze after the war Sir Robert Falla took part for his work as meteorologist with the in several expeditions to the sub-Antarctic B.A.N.Z.A.R.E., joined the Meteor Islands. ological Office in 1929. and after his return from the Antarctic, worked in the aviation section. Before the Second CHEERY DIARY World War he spent two years in the In Professor A. Grenfell Price's book United States at the Massachusetts Insti on the B.A.N.Z.A.R.E. voyages, "The tute of Technology studying meteorology, Winning of Australian Antarctica", there with special reference to aviation. He are several references to the two young retired from the Meteorological Service New Zealanders. Professor Grenfell Price in 1965. Dr Simmers is a former chair mentions, and also quotes from what he man of the Ross Dependency Research calls the cheery diary kept by Dr Sim Committee, which advises the Minister mers, and the New Zcalander's consider of Science about New Zealand's scientific able capacity for setting doggerel to programme in the Antarctic, and also popular tunes for thc amusement of the served on the national committee for members of the expedition. The names space research. of both men appear on the expedition's Sir Robert Falla is best known as an maps. ornithologist and museum director. He Falla Bluff is a prominent rocky bluff was a lecturer in nature study and educa at the head of a bay, about five miles tion at the Auckland Teachers' College south-east of the Stanton Group of when he was selected as assistant zoo Islands off the coast of Mac-Robertson logist and ornithologist with Sir Douglas Land. It was discovered on February 14, Mawson's expedition in the Discovery. 1931. Simmers Peaks arc a group of four On his return he was appointed orni rocky peaks about 12 miles south-east of ANTARCTIC

Cape Close in Enderby Land. They were BRANCH REPORTS discovered on January 13, 1930. With a former leader at Scott Base, and Sir Robert Falla and Dr Simmers were several former caretakers of the historic proposed as patrons at the annual meeting huts on Ross Island, among its officers, of the Antarctic Society in Wellington on the Canterbury branch has been able to March 16. The meeting also decided to maintain its members' interest in An award the honour of life membership to tarctic affairs during the past year. Also Mr H. F. Griffiths, a former president. Christchurch has a closer link with the Mr Griffiths has had a close association Antarctic because of the United States with the Antarctic and the expeditions Navy's support force, and the Antarctic that have gone south in the last 45 years. Division. He was the founder of the Dunedin and In his annual report the chairman, Mr Canterbury branches of the society, and S. W. M. Smith, referred to a programme his association with Antarctic expeditions which included addresses dealing with dates back to Rear-Admiral Richard E. visits to Cape Adare and the Snares Byrd's first expedition in 1928-30. In Islands, life on the Chatham Islands, and Christchurch Mr Griffiths was president the work of the hut caretakers at Cape of the Canterbury branch. He made two Royds. visits to the Antarctic, and last year Officers of the branch are: Chairman, retired after three years as information Mr S. W. M. Smith; vice-chairmen, Messrs J. M. Caffin and R. G. McElrea; ~cer, Antarctic Division, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. Dur honorary secretary, Mrs E. F. Cross; honorary treasurer, Mr J. A. Cross; com ing this time he also edited the society's mittee, Messrs B. Duffell, V. J. Wilson, news bulletin, "Antarctic". H. Burson, L. Kerr, J. Barker, K. Smith, In recognition of their contributions to D. Spence, R. Venning, Mesdames E. Antarctic exploration the society decided Smith, J. Kerr, and B. Hale. at its meeting to send complimentary Wellington also has links with the An copies of "Antarctic" to men who lived tarctic. Its committee members include a in the historic huts at Cape Adare, Cape former superintendent of the Antarctic Royds, and Cape Evans. They are Mr Division, the man in charge of the con Hugh Blackwell Evans, who was with struction of Scott Base in 1956, and a hut Borchgrevink's Southern Cross Expedi caretaker. Branch activities during the tion at Cape Adare in 1898-1900, Sir year included a visit to the deep-sea drill Philip Brocklehurst, who served with ing ship Glomar Challenger, and enter Shackleton's 1907-1909 expedition, Sir tainment of delegates to the meeting of Charles Wright, the Canadian glaci the Antarctic Treaty nations' consultative committee. Arrangements were made by ologist, and Tryggve Gran, the Norwegian the branch for the painting of the ski expert, who were with Scott's last ex memorial portrait of Mr L. B. Quarter- pedition, and A. O. Gaze, the Australian main, which the society will present to the member of the Ross Sea party of Shackle Canterbury Museum for hanging in the ton's 1914-1916 expedition. national Antarctic centre. Mr J. A. Cross, of Christchurch, was Officers of the branch are: Chairman. rc-appointed president, and Mr G. W. Mr L. S. Donnelley; vice-chairman, Mr Markham, of Wellington, vice-president. G. W. Markham; honorary secretary, Mr Other officers of the society arc: Secre R. H. Blezard; honorary treasurer, Mr V. tary, Mrs B. Hale; treasurer, Mr R. G. E. Donnelly; committee, Messrs R. M. McElrea; editor of "Antarctic", Mr J. M. Heke, J. Cable, P. Wilson, G. Silvester, Caffin; honorary auditor, Miss I. O. H. Mallitte, Squadron Leader W. Hopper, Orchard. and Captain H. J. Pool. "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 for non-members of the Antarctic Society 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 Mrs B. Hale, P.O. Box 1223, Christchurch.

Branch Secretaries Canterbury: Mrs E. F. Cross, P.O. Box 404, Christchurch. Wellington: Mr R. H. Blezard. P.O. Box 2110, Wellington. Printed at the Raven Press, 241 Cashel Street, Christchurch