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A N E W S B U L L E T I N OiKtffi, '^ p u b l i s h e d q u a r t e r l y b y t h e ■ NEW ZEALAND ANTARCTIC SOCIETY

JAPANESE ARRIVE AT SOUTH POLE. ; - ■ PMW< ISL'fl BvMHnKrvaY

MARCH, 1969 "ANTARCTIC" is published quarterly in March, June, September, and December. Subscription for non-members of the Antarctic Society, $2.50. Apply to the Secretary, New Zealand Antarctic Society, P.O. Box 2110, Wellington, New Zealand.

Out of Print: Very few left: Volume 1 numbers number 8 ^_^B£ 1, 2, 9 Volume 2, numbers number 8 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9 Volume 3, number 7 number 5 Some other issues are in very short supply. Copies of available issues may be obtained from the Secretary of the Society, P.O. Box 2110, Wellington, at a cost of 50c per copy meanwhile. Indexes for volumes, 1, 2 and 3 are also available, 30c each. Copies of our predecessor, the Antarctic News Bulletin, are available at 50c per copy, except for numbers 9 and 10. The copies of numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 11, 17 and 18 are authorised reprints.

The New Zealand Antarctic Society 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 main taining 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 currently two branches of the Society and functions are arranged throughout the year. You are invited to become a member. South Island residents should contact the Canterbury secretary, North Islanders should contact the Wellington secretary, and overseas residents the secretary of the New Zealand Society. For addresses see below. The membership fee includes subscription to "Antarctic". New Zealand Secretary Mr. V. E. Donnelly, P.O. Box 2110, Wellington. Branch Secretaries Canterbury: Miss Helen Claydon. P.O. Box 404, Christchurch. Wellington: Mr. V. E. Donnelly, P.O. Box 2110, Wellington.

, :Nf-»". i miiiiwiiiBsiracs^ (Successor to "Antarctic News Bulletin") Vol. 5, No. 5 MARCH, 1969 Editor: A. S. Helm, M.B.E, M.A., 37 Worcester Street, Wellington, 5. New Zealand. Assistant Editor: Mrs R. H. Wheeler. Business Communications, Subscriptions, etc., to: Secretary, New Zealand Antarctic Society, P.O. Box 2110, Wellington, N.Z.

CONTENTS

New Zealand Antarctic News

Geodesic Dome for the Pole by Nicholas Turner Ordeal in the Shackleton Range by Nicholas Turner

Australian Antarctic News

American Antarctic News

British Antarctic Survey News

French Antarctic News

Magnificent Japanese Journey to South Pole

News of the Sub-Antarctic Islands

The Weddell Seal by Ian Stirling

Victoria University Visits to Skelton Neve and Boomerang Ranq* by Peter Webb

The Reader Writes

Society Notes

Antarctic Bookshelf

Obituary: Dr Paul Siple

•i . -1.. ^jjrt ANTARCTIC March, 1969

NEW ZEALAND ANTARCTIC NEWS

LATE SUPPLIES TO VANDA McMurdo Sound. A helicopter from the "Burton Island" was able to The sea ice highway from Scott land the cargo in the Bay of Sails, Base to Vanda Station has been alongside a New Zealand wanigan, broken until the sea north of the left there as a refugee hut during stranded moraines freezes over, later the summer. in the winter. The supplies included recorders A four-man party consisting of for the micro-meteorological pro Robin Foubister, Noel Wilson, Chris gramme being run from Vanda in Rickards and David Blackbourn, at tne Wright Valley, and last-minute tempted to cross the sea ice of Mc- mail. Iney were picked up by a Murdo Sound by dog team. tnree-man party from Vanda con sisting of New Zealanders Bill Lucy, They hoped to meet up with a Warren John* ->"<"' ^~ narty from Vanda Station to deliver change scie uipment for the Vanda pro three men set out on a tractor to gramme. collect the stores, but their chosen route was almost barred by the The Scott Base party, travelling with two heavily laden sledges pull- terminal face of the Lower Wriabt l by 21 huskies, left Scott Base on Glacier. At first their tractor irch 1, and made their first camp unable to climb the icy wall, uu the sea ice about 12 miles out. men anchored a strong rope at top of the face and fixed the lower The next day they covered the end to the tracks of the tractor. remaining 20 miles, to camp under The party was then able to winch the ice cliffs of the terminal face of the tractor up a length of the tracks the Blue Glacier. at a time. They returned to Vanda at the end of their arduous three-day It was hoped that it would be trip on March 18. possible to pull the sledges up to the Bowers Piedmont Glacier, just to the north of the Blue Glacier, but the approaches were cut off by open water. Killer whales were seen spouting NICOLAS TURNER BACK IN along the ice edge, only 20U yards from the route ot the sledges. Sev NEW ZEALAND eral groups of Emperor penguins Nicholas Turner, the well-known were also standing along the ice journalist who has been covering edge. The weather during the trip events in South-East Asia for several was mostly fine and sunny, with years, is now back in New Zealand. Though he has been acclaimed for temperatures down to minus 10 de his work in Viet-Nam, his connec grees F, and winds up to 20 knots. tions with the Antarctic are not so The cargo for Vanda was returned widely known. to Scott Base on March 4 and put He was with the Editor on the on board the U.S.S. "Burton Island" evening when word was received to be carried to the western side of that Sir Edmund Hillary had reach- 'WW.L' March, 1969 ANTARCTIC

ed the South Pole on the first over Like all other stations on the ice land motorised trip to the bottom surface, it will eventually be covered of the world, and Nick covered the by drifts of wind-blown snow, and story not only for New Zealand will have to be abandoned as it newspapers but for the rest of the becomes crushed under the weight, world. Then he accompanied Sir like the present station. Vivian Fuchs and the British party Major Barber says the new station to England on board the "Rangi- is designed for a life of 10 to 15 toto." During four years in London years, by which time it will be obso he spent a good deal of time on lescent both structurally and scien Antarctic research at the South tifically. Polar Research Institute at Cam The dome and wonder-arch were bridge and the Royal Geographical selected after consideration of sev Society in London. In 1961-62 he eral alternative designs, on the basis made a three-week visit to Mc- of cost, construction problems, func Murdo with the Americans, and has tional layout, drift control and iust returned from a short "re safety. fresher" to the Antarctic. While at It is estimated to cost $1.8 million McMurdo and again in Christchurch but Major Barber believes the figure he had a long talk with Ken Blaik- will rise to over $2 million. Con lock who was very disappointed that struction will be carried out by 250 he did not have the time to come to Navy Seabees over a two-month Wellington to renew old friendships. period, and the complex should be Nick has kindly contributed the ready for occupation by the 1972 two following articles for Antarctic. winter-over party. Sixty-eight flights by Hercules air craft will be required to airlift about 700 tons of construction material from McMurdo to the Pole. GEODESIC DOME FOR THE Originally the station's sky-lab was fo have been sited at the summit of POLE the geodesic dome, but this has been By NICHOLAS TURNER ruled out on grounds of possible unequal settlement of the dome in A geodesic dome will be the cen the polar

Ken was airlifted by U.S. Navy LAST STOP BEFORE Hercules into the Shackleton Moun tains on the far side of the continent ANTARCTICA last November to lead a six-man British surveying party. Their task Most people, at one time or an was to obtain accurate tellurometer other, have been through an airport, fixes on the main peaks in an area and may have thought "If you've covering 3,000 square miles, thus seen one airport, you've seen them providing control for U.S. aerial all." photo-mapping. An exception to this is the main terminal at Christchurch Interna The Decca Navigator Company tional Airport, the only place in the granted Ken leave to make the trip world where flights are "booked" to at the request of the British Ant the Antarctic. One can witness the arctic Survey. He had been work unloading of an aircraft whose ing on oil and gas search activities bearded passengers have been iso in the North Sea, but was happy to lated from the rest of the world, return to the Shackleton, an area except for radio contact, for six or he knew well. seven months. In its present location since 1960, the Antarctic Flight Desk operates under the administration of Detach the mountains with three dog-teams. ment One of the United States Oper >artv, Nick ation Deep Freeze. The main pur pose of the desk is to co-ordinate "It was a clean break, and he was flights to the Antarctic during Octo in absolutely no pain. We put his ber through to February. In addi leg in a cast, and were in contact tion to flights "to the ice," the desk with a doctor at Halley Bay by co-ordinates flights from New Zea radio. After some discussion we land to the United States of men decided not to ask the Americans travelling from the Antarctic. to fly him out—it was a long and Last year alone, the desk pro difficult flight, and we were a bit cessed a total of 269 flights which worried thev might decide to evacu involved 6,813 people, approximately ate the whole party." 4.000 of whom travelled between New Zealand and the Antarctic. Matthys was made comfortable in Five people are employed at the a sleeping-bag and tent, and another desk under the supervision of United member of the party was left to States Army Captain D. W. Mc look after him for 40 days while the Donald and United States Navy remaining four continued their sur Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain's vey work. Mate F. W. Whitney. The first month of the operating season is usually Finally when their task was finish the busiest with the transfer of new ed a Hercules was sent from Mc- personnel and fresh supplies for the continent's stations. "The two favourite supplies received on the ice," remarked Whitney, "are mail and fresh vegetables." evacuation. The last flight of the season will Matthys was taken to Halley Bay, be in late February. However, the where the chartered vessel "Perla desk isn't put into "moth balls at the Dan" was waiting, and he was end of the season, but rather into quickly homeward bound. Ken the hands of the U.S. Air Force Blaiklock, who wanted to return which mans the desk in support of quickly to his North Sea work, was Military Airlift Command flights, brought out by air to Christchurch, usually between Christchurch and where he was looking forward to re- Australia. With the occasional meeting old TAE friends John Clay- arrivals of visiting Naval aircraft don and George Lowe—the latter and Royal New Zealand Air Force having just arrived in town on planes, the desk is in action 12 holiday. months each year. March, 1969

AUSTRALIAN ANTARCTIC

OPENING OF CASEY STATION McMurdo Sound to Freemantle to take a seven-man American camera The opening of the new Australian team, takin itation, known as Casey Station, has been attended with more than HIV. v...... _. usual frustrations and delays. "Thala Dan" in mid-February, at a The "Thala Dan" left Melbourne point about 80 miles north of Wilkes, on January 13 carrying the 33-man assisted it through the ice, and pro expedition to occupy Casey, includ vided helicopters and men to help ing four Americans associated with unload the ship, thus showing yet the Pageos Geodetic Satellite pro another example of international co gramme. On its return journey it operation in the Antarctic. was to bring back the 1968 party of The time which was lost due to 25 men from the nearby Australian the heavy ice conditions this season station at Wilkes which was to be will throw an extra burden of work closed. on the 1969 party, particularly dur It had been hoped that the "Thala ing the settling-in period. Dan" would be able to break The opening of Casey was attend through the pack ice with the aid ed by the commanding officer of the of pictures taken by an American "South Wind," Captain Dolber, with weather satellite and received at the his officers and crew members, and Bureau of Meteorology in Mel by the Captain of the "Thala Dan" bourne. Although the picture gave and his crew. an indication of two leads, or open Mr. Roy Spratt, Deputy Director ing, in the ice, these were not avail of the Australian Department of able to the ship. Instead, heavy Supply's Antarctic Division and ex pack ice four times rebuffed efforts pedition leader, officially declared to break through to a point near the new station open on February Wilkes and Casey. On February 6 Department of The Australian flag was raised by Supply Officials enquired of Ameri Mr. Bob Nicholson, who led the can officials in Washington D.C. construction party at the station whether better satellite pictures last year. could be made available. Informa Mr. Ted Howells, Officer-in-charge tion was cabled back and six pic of the 1969 Casey party, said they tures were transmitted by radio, and were proud to be the first occupants others flown to Australia, but even of the station. He read messages of when this information had been yood wishes from the Governor- radioed to the "Thala Dan," her General, and from Senator Ander efforts were not successful. son, Minister of Supply. An approach was then made to After the opening, those present the Americans for the assistance of adjourned from the freezing outside an ice-breaker, and the Americans temperatures to the new buildings immediately diverted the "South to enjoy refreshments. Wind" about 900 nautical miles to After heavy going through thick assist the "Thala Dan." The "South ice, the "Thala Dan," assisted by the Wind" had been on its way from South Wind," reached open sea at -ay apajemy lEuoijeisi ueqejjsny -s.e' souorejoqeq tpaeassM jeoiineu aqj jo'juauiqsqqeisa atp oj pa| siqx -o-iay s^jddng jo juauiijedoa ©MX •Aaqod apajejuy jo uopeiuaiuaicl -uii pue u'opeinuuoj uo jusuiujoaoq •poddoap Suisq mous jjup x,unuoAOjd snqi 'sguipfinq oqi A\oJ3q aqi asiApe' oj aapiiuuK^ guiuueu pue OAoqe Apsjj a\6u *o] spuiA\ oqi 3i[] jo" ueuuueqa sba\ aq 'sjienv a\o|ib i[ia\ saanreoj oavj }su\ sqx leiusjxn jo JsisiuiiAj uaqA\ '/.r6l UI •apajejuy 9tB u! suop •jopujoo Suijdsuuod -ejs [eargojojoajaui juaueuuad jo di{\ uo sjqojd puiA\dn poAlmo y juau-iqsHqcJsa papuauiuioaaj ipiqA\ "J33J g JO 30UBJBDP punO-lS aajjiuiuioQ Jefoj e jo ueuui'eqa umiuiuiui e oabu sguipjinq jry pajuiodde sba\ Aosbq pjo-[ 'j3.msK3.ix ueqejjsny se aaua.iajuoQ [euad •sguipimq sqi -uii aqj Suipuoire uaqM '££61 uj >[uq 01 jopujoo oiqpsnquiOD-uou y •uiiq •joguep 9jq 3siui jajje '0£6l '£ Ajenuer uo pajaAoasip -iuiui 01 'arejedss guipnnq qoeg '(uopeis uosaveiaj s.eqejisny Jeau) aguey Aosc3 am paiueu 'uosa\cj/\[ •puiA\ oqj ssojob se|gnoQ jjs 'Japea] uopipadxa aqx 'sguip[inq oqj joj oui'i ojguis y :apnpui uoijeis ie-6Z6t "I (H"avzNva) A\au oqi jo ssjnyeaj -uoi'reis sq^ -e3"z'A\3N pue ueqe.nsny 'qspug aqj jo pnojd Ajqeynsnl' aq uea uoisiai( jo aauenupuoa pue uopdaaiq aqj ui jjed juejjodiui ue paAe'[d 'uopuoq ui -lit , jaaijjO uosibh F°!l!I°d ueqejjsny se aq'l jo u jeap 'Ajo5uouio.k '(Aase3 jo'j'ej/V u^m) AaseQ p-io^ e uo qmq sba\ uoirejs Aase3 aqx •uoijeuigEiui pue agejnoa ueqejjsny oj agua'qeqa e se papjegaj aq qaiqA\ •pjezeq apajejuy aqj ui AjiApae ueqejjsny ajq e paieaja jayeAV-ipiu aqj jo do] joj uiseisnqjua ue UAVOqs sAEAqe seq uo guireojj agenids-iio aiiqA\ 'uoiieis Aosb3 pJo-j -eapajejuy ui sapiApae aqi jo guipoon lepjed pasnea ueqejjsny guuajsoj ui jejauaQ-jou saiup ye jareA\ ipui 'uopippe ui -jd'aoq am Aq apetu uo'jnqujuoa aqj •juatudmba AAeaq pue saAts jo uopiugoaaj ui 'A3SB3 pjoq jajje -ojdxa 'jnoqej fenueui guisn 'aau'e uopej's'Mau aqj auieu oj qsiM s,jua'ui -jeap a\ous ui jeaA tpea paiseAV sba\ -UJ3AOQ ueqejjsny aqj sba\ jj aiup jo lunouie anpun ue snqx NOIXVJLS HH1 JO ONIIVVN •jeaA aqj jo jjed agjej e joj uoqejs uiem aqi jo sapis q;oq •HOIJDJBIUV Ul SUIAJI poi'33 uo 'pAaj jooj oi dn 'a\ous rjup jo -psiqdos jo j'daauoa jeuiSud ue si uoneinumaae ue pasnea siqx 'AaneA liopejs A\bu aqx 'JeaA aqj jo jsaj aqi uAvop guidaaMS puiM guijmA aqj guunp ajis aqj re J[JOA\ pajiuiq -ajd aqi pa^adjq qaiUM sagpu oam ino guiAj.iea ui pajsisse sa^jjM luojj uaaA\iaq uoissajdap A^aoj e ssojac suopm'adxa gu'uajuiM aqj pue 'Bare jjinq sba\ ubpeis sa^uM PI° 3lll siqj" bj ajejjau'ad pinoo spssaA jaq •puej Aq sajiui aajqi inoqe jo 'sa^uM -aj qaiqA\ ui jauiiuns-piui jo s>paA\ ujoj; Aeq e ssojae auq paJip e ut A\aj am guunp jno paujea ojsa\ sauiuiejSojd* uouonJisuoD ..ijsbjq,, arjui auo moqe si uoivejs A\au aqx •uoij SHMTIM WOHJ -euijoj s^jjaeo sqi Suunp poijipnos isaij \i oouis poqjhisipun uooq 39NVH3 HHX HOJ NOSVHH peq qoiqA\ ^poi jo ino psseiq 3J3A\ speoa pue sSuipue-j ■$%] ui Ajjbo •pjeoqe ueSsq uopeis "a\3U sqi uo ^.10^ uompadxa sa>qiAA 8961 3lH J° U3UJ. •spuuni puiA\ sji ui psisoi OJ3A\ S3' aqi miM 'eqejjsny oj Aaujnol sppoiAl •ssjnreaj oiuieuApojse osaqi ujniaj su uo '\z Ajenjqoj uo -uj-b £

6961- 'qojei/M 0 I I O H V 1 N V March, 1969 ANTARCTIC

WILKES HIT BY BLIZZARD Land to operate from the Sandef jord Bay, radiating south by helicopter A 130-mile-an-hour blizzard caused and fixed-wing aircraft to selected havoc with communications at Aus tralia's Wilkes base at the end of spots in the Prince Charles Moun December, 1968. tains. The Officer-in-charge of the Maw- *The :w apart winds the were instruments so powerful used they to son party is Mr. T. Cassidy, of ;asure their velocity. The highest Coopers Plains, Queensland. speed recorded before the instru Mr. G. McKinnon, of Burwood, ment disintegrated was 136 m.p.h. Victoria, geographic officer of the Antarctic Division, will lead the Tn releasing details of the bliz- summer survey party which will •d, the Minister of Supply, Sena- return to Melbourne on the ship in W1' K. Anderson, said that radio transmission had been badly dis March. rupted because so many masts and The "Nella Dan" sailed from Maw- aerials were felled by the high son to Fremantle late in January to winds. The five-mile long telephone pick up 11 men who will man the link between the old and the new station at Davis to be reopened after station was also put out of com having been closed four years ago. mission by the storm, which was The ship will call at Macquarie one of the most severe in the records Island on the return voyage from of Wilkes Station. However, the Davis to Melbourne, collecting a new 150 ft. aerial masts at the new small group of scientists on the station withstood the onslaught with way. It should arrive in Melbourne only slight damage. about March 21, 1969, to carry out

jairing communications to full present site to newly-constructed capacity. buildings a few miles away across the bay. COOL MUSIC IN ANTARCTICA The new station is an original The Australian Antarctic station concept of sophisticated living in at Davis is to get a background Antarctica and is being studied with nusic system, which has been pre interest by members of other pared in Australia. national expeditions. Details of the system were pub lished in the "Australian Manufac turer," a leading trade journal. It included 5,000 tunes, some of AUSTRALIAN ANTARCTIC TEAMS which were "Far From the Madding FOR 1969 Crowd," "Out of This World," "We Got Us," "Rhapsody in Blue," "South The Department of Supply an of the Border," and "Waltzing nounced in December the names of Matilda." 86 men selected to man, during 1969, The system has been supplied by the Australian National Antarctic the Australian Seeburg Company, Research Expeditions' stations at and was taken to the Antarctic in Macquarie Island, Mawson, Casey, the "Nella Dan." and Davis. The journal said that the effect of the music would be evaluated by the expedition leader, Mr. Nils Lied. MACQUARIE ISLAND MAWSON STATION Officer-in-Charge: John R. Canham, On its return from Macquarie Is of Double Bay, N.S.W. land the "Nella Dan" immediately began loading stores for Mawson Medical Officer: Dr. Geoffrey C. and equipment for the geological Middleton, of Chatswood, N.S.W. and mapping survey teams which Medical Officer: Dr. Adel G. Matter, will be taken to Princess Elizabeth of Cairo, Egypt, U.A.R.

-.;h:-.. ANTARCTIC

Physicist: Ronald L. Paine, of Wara- Weather Observer: Christopher J. tah, N.S.W. Bain, of Canberra, A.C.T. Geophysicist: Kevin F. McCue, of Weather Observer: Geoffrey A. Bool, Manuka, A.C.T. of Belmore, N.S.W. Biologist: Evan H. Jones, of North Supervising Technician (Radio): Geelong, Vic. Keith C. Martin, of Frankston, Technical Officer (Biology): Wayne Vic. E. Hocking, of Goodwood, S.A. Radio Technician: Daryl R. Ed wards, of Ballarat, Vic. Technical Officer (Biology): Trevor W. Gadd, of Somerton, S.A. Radio Operator-in-Charge: Patrick J. Engineer (F.ler.trnnir.O: Rnwr T Moonie, of Watson, A.C.T. Morgan, of Hants, England. Elsternwick, Vic. Senior Observer (Radio): John C Radio Operator: John R. Dart, of Wilshaw, of Broadmeadows, Vic. East Doncaster, Vic. Weather Observer-in-Charge: Mark Radio Operator: Kenneth A. Smith, J. Forecast, of The Basin, Vic. of Tumut, N.S.W. Weather Observer: John R. Horton, Plant Inspector: Michael R. Glenny, ot Moorabbin, Vic. of Caultield, Vic. Weather Observer: Timothy Walk- Senior Diesel Mechanic: Raymond den-Brown, of North Manly, N.S.W. Mitchell, of Beaudesert, Qld. Weather Observer: Martin S. Betts, Senior Diesel Mechanic: Kenneth of Frankston, Vic. Withers, of Ballarat, Vic. tadio Observer: William J. Grudg- Senior Electrical Fitter-Mechanic: field, of Glen Waverley, Vic. Peter J. Neal, of Woodridge, Qld. .iadio Observer: Raymond H. Lang- tip, of Revesby, N.S.W. North Balwyn, Vic. Senior Diesel Mechanic-in-Charge: Erik L. Hansen, of Para Hills, S.A. Biologist: Rowan N. We Senior Electrical Fitter-Mechanic: bury, Vic. David W. Harvey, of Cronulla, Glaciologist: Ian F. Allison, of Carl N.S.W. ton, Vic. Senior Carpenter: Harry W. Simp Cook: William D. Cowell, of Coolan- son, of Glendale, N.S.W. gatta, Qld. Senior Plumber: Murray Price, of Shepparton, Vic. DAVIS Cook: Colin E. Whitehead, of Fern- Officer-in-Charge & Medical Officer: tree Gully, Vic. Dr. Desmond A. A. Parker, of Wollongong, N.S.W. MAWSON Physicist: Alan R. B. McNeill, of Dorrigo, N.S.W. Officer-in-Charge: Timothy N. Cas- Senior Diesel Mechanic-in-Charge: sidy, of Cooper's Plains, Qld. Edward P. Watts, of Shepparton, Medical Officer: Dr. John Hogg, of Vic. Summer Hill, N.S.W. Radio Supervisor: Ronald W. Mc Physicist (Cosmic Rays): Gary G. Lean, of Ballarat, Vic. Cooper, of Koroit, Vic. Radio Operator: Kenneth L. Bennett, Physicist (IPSO): Donald Plumb, of of Fairlight, N.S.W. Yarralumla, A.C.T. Senior Observer (Radio): Lou Bela- Geophysicist: John A. Major, of Odstrcil, of Bundoora, Vic. Chelsea, Vic. Weather Observer-in-Charee: Peter ngineer (Electronics): Peter J. G. Jackson, of Geeloni Griffiths, of Epping, N.S.W. Weather Observer: David S. Cowan, Senior Weather Observer (Radio): of Hamilton, N.S.W. Harry W. H. Down, of Kilmore, Weather Observer: Alan T. Mc- Vic. Callum, of Ashburton, Vic. Weather Observer-in-Charge: Evan Cook: John Tarbuck, of Goulburn, Lee, of West Preston, Vic. N.S.W. March, 1969 ANTARCTIC

CASEY Expedition Assistant: Oldrich W. Ollicer-in-Charge: Edward C. How- Macha, of Bentleigh, Vic. ells, of St. Albans, Vic. Technical Assistant Grade 2: Sydney Medical Officer: Dr. Robert Limpit- G. Little, of Hawthorne, Qld. law, of Glasgow, Scotland. Physicist: John L. Gras, of East Brighton, Vic. ICE-SHELF SURVEY Physicist (Cosmic Rays): Phillip E. A party of 23 Australians, sup Johnstone, of Brighton, Vic. ported by four aircraft, are carrying Technical Officer (IPSO): Howard out a major mapping survey in the T. Stone, of Nambour, Qld. Australian Antarctic territory this Glaciologist: Ross M. Anderson, of summer. Box Hill South, Vic. The survey is being conducted in Engineer (Electronics): Trevor W. the Prince Chairles Mountains, about Mahoney, of Brisbane, Qld. 250 miles south-east of the Austra Senior Weather Observer (Radio): lian base at Mawson, and also on Alf. A. Svensson, of Northcote, the east coast of the Amery Ice Vic. Shelf. Weather Observer-in-Charge: Ken Three surveyors from the Division neth G. Bode, of West Coburg, Vic. of National Mapping and one from Weather Observer: Quentin R. the Antarctic Division of the Depart Blades, of Balgowlah, N.S.W. ment of Supply plan to survey about Weather Observer: Peter R. Twelf- 500 line-miles on the ground. tree, of Netherby, S.A. The survey is needed to obtain Supervising Technician (Radio): essential delta for drawing up topo Graeme J. Currie, of Riverstone, graphical maps covering about 7,000 N.S.W. square miles of Australian Antarctic Senior Technician (Radio): John H. Territory. Gillies, of Clifton Hill, Vic. The area has already been covered Radio Technician: Colin J. Taylor, by aerial photography, but the of Narrabundah, A.C.T. ground survey is required before Radio Technician: Lennart E. Hol- the maps can be completed. brok, of Para Hills, S.A. The expedition ship, "Nella Dan," Radio Observer-in-Charge: Keith R. was to land the party at Sandef jord McDonald, of Parkdale, Vic. Bay, at the eastern end of the Amery Radio Operator: Sydney J. Hender Ice Shelf, early in January. From a son, of Mitcham, Vic. base camp set up there, three heli Radio Operator: Michael J. Rilev, copters will carry survey parties of Yagoona West, N.S.W. deep into the Prince Charles Moun Radio Operator: Clifford L. Collins, tains and ferry them and their of Elwood, Vic. equipment between survey points. ' Plant Inspector: Charlie R. Weir, of A fourth fixed-wing aircraft will Woodenbong, N.S.W. be used for ferrying fuel and sup Senior Diesel Mechanic: Ronald R. plies to the advance depots for the Wiggins, of Wembley, W.A. helicopter parties and for general Senior Diesel Mechanic: David E. support duties. Powell, of Graceville, Qld. The four aircraft are being em Senior Electrical Fitter-Mechanic: ployed for the survey work this Lvnn N. Saunders, of Waverlev, season because the Australian map N.S.W. ping programme in the Antarctic Senior Electrical Fitter-Mechanic: territory has now extended beyond Jon P. Mason, of Prahan, Vic. the practicable range of ground Senior Carpenter: Robert H. Innes, transport. of Northgate, Qld. Four geologists from the Bureau Senior Plumber: Peter J. Garone, of of Mineral Resources of the Depart Warrandvte, Vic. ment of National Development will Cook: Willibald Kalss, of Mascot, travel with the mapping parties to N.S.W. conduct geological studies. ANTARCTIC March, 1969

Little field work has been done in AUSTRALIAN EFFORTS the area which has mountains rising CRITICISED to 8,000 feet and an unusually large Australia's research activities in amount of exposed rocks. the Antarctic are stagnating and her ing Australian scientist. The Director of the Mawson Insti programme. tute at the University of Adelaide, Dr. F. Jacka, criticised the Austra RUSSIANS SPEND CHRISTMAS lian Government's Antarctic pro AT MAWSON gramme on the ABC's radio science A team of Russian scientists in programme, "The World Tomorrow" voluntarily spent Christmas with in mid-December, 1968. Australians at Mawson, when the "Australia's effort looked a little Russian plane crashed on take-olf bit sorry against the great vitality from the Australian base. ol the work being done by countries Four Russians and three Austra like New Zealand ana France," lians were aboard the plane, which he said. was badly damaged when a wind The major problem was the lack gust blew it off the airstrip. No of stated policy. one was hurt. "As far as I am aware, no policy has been announced by the Govern The Russians were from the ment or by the Department of Soviet Antarctic research expedition Supply," he said. based at Molodeznajy, which is 500 "As a consequence, I think the miles west of Mawson. staff of the Antarctic Division are They were flying from there to probably very much in the dark as Mirny which is 8U0 miles east of to what they ought to be doing." Mawson. Their twin-engined plane The former Director of the Aus arrived at Mawson to unload fuel. tralian Antarctic National Antarctic The starboard propeller and wing Expedition, Dr. Phillip Law, said on of the Russian plane were badly the programme that he hoped the damaged. Commonwealth Government would The Russians immediately made soon decide that the Antarctic Divi arrangements to try and get spares sion should be a scientific division for the plane to Australia in time and not left as a logistic organisa to be shipped on the "Nella Dan" tion to run ships, food and clothing. to Mawson. The Minister for Supply, Senator Anderson, said that with the trans LONG JOURNEY TO LAND fer of the Antarctic Division from SICK SEAMAN External Affairs to Supply, it was A Japanese refrigerated whaling now an appropriate time to carry ship ended a 2,000-mile mercy mis out a complete review of the Divi sion from the Antarctic when it sion's activities. arrived at Freemantle, West Aus He hoped that the Government tralia, on January 10. would make decisions early in the The "Reiyo Maru" landed a crew New Year and announce pro man who was suffering from hepa grammes for subsequent years. titis. He was admitted to Free- mantle Hospital. The ship had been with a fleet of 15 whalecatchers and a mother ship in Antarctica. POLAR PEAKS SCALED The ship's master, Captain H. Italian members of the joint Hitomi, said at Freemantle that the Italian-New Zealand scientific and ship had about 800 tons of refriger mountain climbing expedition in the ated whalemeat aboard and would Antarctic, reported to Rome on load 2,200 tons more from the January 12 that they had scaled 10 mother ship when it returned to previously unclimbed mountains Antarctica. It would then sail for and made important geological Japan. discoveries. March, 1969 ANTARCTIC

AMERICAN ANTARCTIC NEWS

STATIONS across it were heard by men living literally at the bottom of the world. Temporary and possibly perman- There was even a Christmas tree, not growing, of course, but flown in by Operation Deep Freeze aircraft of its operations. and the customary parcels, stock ings and decorations. Hallett and Brockton Stations, Not unusual, even in the frozen which are in action only during the continent? No. maybe not, but what austral summer, were evacuated was unusual at this Christmas at during February, while the summer this U.S. station was the additional parties left Byrd and Palmer and South Pole-Amundsen Stations the presence of 11 Japanese visitors same month. Twenty-eight Navy- from the Ninth Japanese Antarctic men and Scientists will winter-over Research Expedition (JARE-9). at Byrd, twenty at the Pole. The Japanese travellers had reach ed the Pole six days before Christ Plateau Station, the U.S.'s highest, mas and two and a half months coldest and most inland station after they left their base at Syowa, (see Antarctic, Vol. 5, No. 4), reached some 1,600 miles away. Using three the end of its planned two years' tracked vehicles, the JARE-9 men operation with the end of the 1968-69 were making a trek of scientific austral summer and has been phased exploration and their presence at out of Deep Freeze. the Pole Station at Christmas time made the celebration an interna Pateau, some 12,000 feet above sea level and 1,400 miles from Mc tional one. Murdo, was opened on November SCIENTIFIC 15, 1968. The buildings comprising the station have been left intact, The basic problem of how to pro and a supply of food, fuel and some vide a group of scientists in a re equipment remains. At any future mote Antarctic outpost with the time the station could, if necessary, necessary support for living and be re-activated with a min'mum of working under extremely hostile re-supply and in the meantime it is conditions will be encountered in available for emergency use on short very similar format by those who notice. have to prepare for the first flights by astronauts to the moon or to Last winter the second-coldest-ever other planets later on. temperature in the Antarctic was recorded at Plateau with a reading This was the basic premise of an of 123.1 °F below zero. This was address given by Ernst Stuhlinger, only four degrees above the world's of the Space Sciences Laboratory, record cold experienced by Russians George S. Marshall Space Flight at Vostok in 1960. Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration to an Orienta Christmas conjures up visions of tion Program for participants in the snow. The vision was more than U.S.A.R.P. Program, last September. realised at South Pole Station last Christmas when the snow extended Stuhlinger, with three other mem for thousands of miles in all direc bers of the National Aeronautics and tions and the carols ringing out Space Administration, spent a week ANTARCTIC March, 1969 in the Antarctic observing the logis could all be applied to lunar re tics problem there, in January, 1967. search, and, of perhaps vital im portance, a study of the psychologi The many problems of maintain cal effects of living in isolation is ing productive research under the most extreme and unforgiving con being carried out in the Antarctic. ditions on Earth were studied, to- "I feel that the lessons learned in Antarctica should be, and will be, gether•ffice of with Antarctic the means Programs used and by the needed in the planning and design U.S. Navy to solve these problems. Antarctica presents the closest ap ing of quarters for astronauts on prolonged journeys through space," proximation to lunar conditions said Dr. Stuhlinger, commenting available on Earth. particularly on the advantages of a Conditions are not, Dr. Stuhlinger small, single room for each man explained, identical, naturally. Ant rather than multiple occupancy arctica has an atmosphere, it has rooms; on the necessity of a few six times the gravity existing on the hours' privacy per day; and on the moon and it is only ten hours' fly preferable "home-like" nature of ing, under good weather conditions, quarters, which could be in part from the nearest hospital. However, produced in spacecraft by "simu in Antarctica a few men of a scien lated gravity" produced by "spinning tific team at a remote outpost must the craft while in flight. depend entirely on the technological Both Antarctic and space explora reliabilities of a stove and of a radio tion, concluded Dr. Stuhlinger, had transmitter, as must lunar voyagers to fight hard to obtain the funds depend enirely on the reliability of their equipment. necessary for their continuation and he put out an eloquent plea for the Equipment, vehicles for mobililv, assets accruing from advanced safety measures were some of the scientific knowledge. factors whose use and supply were comparable in both areas of explora tion. The essential nature of mobililv SUPPORT for exploration of the Antarctic was comparable to that which will be Ellsworthland Camp, America's essential on the moon; the hazard largest scientific field camp, is one of fire, so acute in the Antarctic, of Operation Deep Freeze's biggest would be equally dangerous to lunar men. support operations. Six separate studies are being con The advantages of manned, over ducted by eighteen scientists on this automated, stations was as clear for part of the coast of West Antarctica, lunar exploration as it was for Ant 1.500 miles from McMurdo Station. arctic exploration. Machines can There are two major camps, built record routine matters such as tem from materials flown in from Mc perature, cosmic rays, ionosphere Murdo, with scientific equipment activity and other data by auto and supplies moved from camp to matic sensing and data-handling camp. systems, but the presence of man to explore, to experiment, to turn Some 12,000 pounds of this equip over the rocks to see what lies ment, including three motor tobog beneath, is essential. gans, have been taken into Ells worthland Camp, while three U.S. Dr. Stuhlinger spoke of Antarctic Army UH-1D Helicopters permit a research as divided into two activi high degree of mobility in this multi- ties—survey-type and exploration- discipline survey in the coastal areas type. Survey-type research in space between 110° west and 90° west can rely more heavily on satellites without the continuous presence of longitude. man, but the exploration-type re In terms of airlift requirements, search must be carried out by scien Ellsworthland Survey Camp is the tists. Antarctic supply methods, liv third largest American inland estab ing methods, research methods, lishment, not quite as demanding as

■ V--r. March, 1969 ANTARCTIC

Byrd and Pole. By the beginning ber last y of this year, 120 tons of cargo had years with been airlifted to Ellsworthland, with ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules from Air Development Squadron Six hav Gaining polar experience in the ing flown in helicopters, fuel, build Arctic from 1926-36, as master of the ing materials, supplies and person "Bowdoin" with Admiral Donald B. nel, each trip demanding a rough MacMillan, he worked during World open field landing on an unprepared War II planning and operating ferry snow surface at its conclusion. ing bases and weather stations in Not only their own countrymen Canada and Greenland as an Air are supported by ships of Operation Force Major, and received the Deep Freeze. Legion of Merit. From 1951 to 1953 he and his wife lived in When the Australian polar ship Thule, Greenland, representing the "Thala Dan" became stranded out U.S. Weather Bureau during the side an 80-mile-wide ice barrier transformation of the joint U.S. blocking her way to the new Casey Danish weather station there into Base, it was the U.S. icebreaker the huge Thule Air Force Base. He "South Wind" that was diverted remained in the Arctic for another some 900 miles to render assistance. six years with the Northeast Air Command. "South Wind" was on her way from McMurdo Sound to Freemantle In 1960 Mr. Crowell joined the when she was diverted to assist National Science Foundation and "Thala Dan" through the ice and to was a principal figure in the flota provide the helicopters and men to tion of the U.S. Antarctic Research help unload her. This she did, Program with its two ships. He allowing the 29 men who had win planned and supervised the conver tered over at Wilkes to be relieved sion of U.S.N.S. "Eltanin" from a and the 33 men and supplies for cargo vessel to a floating scientific Casey to be landed. station, then led reconnaissance par ties in the Antarctic Peninsula and PERSONAL look part in the development of the concept of a close-knit, shore-station/ Max Conrad the 65-year-old flyer, research-ship operation. gave up in his attempt to fly across In implementation of this concept, Antarctica, in January. Mr. Crowell personally supervised From Adelaide Island on the Ant the development of 'Hero', from the arctic Peninsula came a message selection of her architect to the from Conrad giving his reasons for acceptance of the vessel by the his return to Punta Arenas and the Foundation in July, 1968, and her U.S.A. Several mechanical problenis shakedown cruise to the Davis had hampered his flight; his air Strait. craft's performance, in an over loaded condition, on skis; the pro blems of fuel and weather; and in particular his own lack of Antarctic know-how had combined to make him feel his proposed flight across the continent would place too heavy a burden on the Support Force's search and rescue organisation. Composite South Pole Man The "composite South Pole man" John T. Crowell, Special Projects has been produced by a computer Officer for the National Science working on data collected by Uni Foundation's Division of Environ versity of Oklahoma investigators mental Sciences, retired in Novcm- in the Antarctic.

11 I1 i ANTARCTIC March, 1969

Sleep-activity cards were distri A number of military visitors were buted to various stations in Antarc also included in the party, which tica, including McMurdo, South was to spend five days in the Ant Pole, Byrd, Plateau and N.Z.'s Scott arctic, touring facilities at Mc Base to get information on what Murdo Station and visiting South men did in each half-hour of the Pole and Byrd Stations, as well as 24-hour cycle. N.Z.'s Scott Base. From this information, the com puter returned a picture of the com GENERAL posite South Pole man who sleeps tor 7.6 hours a day, works for 8.. Another brief visit was made by hours with 1.4 hours outdoors, and a party from McMurdo to the Rus divides 5.3 hours a day nearly sian Station Vostok in January. equally between eating, playing As in previous years, the hospi games, reading and watching tality extended by "the Russians was movies. greatly appreciated by the U.S. visi Researchers in medical philosophy tors, who included representatives are now asking, on the subject of of the U.S. Naval Support Force, man's adjustment to life in Antarc Antarctica, and a member of the tica, not only when, for how long, US. Antarctic Research Programme, and how deeply does a man sleep Mr. Michael Maish, who is to winter- but perhaps even more importantly, over at Vostok as an exchange how long is he obliged to stay scientist. awake?

Mountains Spout Steam . Two American scientists have re Deep Freeze Visitors ported that at least two mountains deep in Marie Byrd Land periodi A large party of prominent New cally spout steam. This report, to Zealand and U.S. citizens were gether with the recent New Zealand guests of the U.S. Navy's Operation discovery, suggests that a number Deep Freeze in January this year. of Antarctic mountains may be like Five New Zealanders, Messrs. W. L. many-layered hot fudge sundaes. Young and T. Young, Members of That is, instead of being formed Parliament, retired Brigadier and purely of rock, they may contain former All Black rugby footballer both ice and ash layers. J. R. Page, Olympic Gold Medallist These developments help close the Peter Snell, and former president of "ring of fire" that encircles the Paci the N.Z. Rugby Football Association fic Ocean, which is fringed by a belt C. Gibbons were accompanied by of volcanic and earthquake activity. A. C. Lillig, Commercial Attache from the American Embassy in Wel However, until recently, the poorly lington, while from the U.S. came explored Antarctic Continent has W. B. Henley of the California Col represented a gap in that ring. lege of Medicine and General Motors The most recent discovery is re Corp.; G. H. Dixon from the First ported in "Science" by Dr."Wesley National Bank of Minneapolis; L. H. Lemasurier of the University of Peterson, an Antarctic Lecturer; T. Colorado and Dr. Alton Wade of J. Watson of International Business Texas Technological College. Dr. Machines; M. S. Prince, a New York Wade was a member of several ex Attorney; G. K. Funston of Olin peditions led by the late Rear Ad Mathieson Chemical Co.; C. Boone, miral Richard E. Byrd. a consultant and F. Shor, an associ On Mount Berlin in the Flood ate editor of the National Geogra Range and Mount Hamnton in the phic Magazine. Executive Committee Range, the March, 1969 ANTARCTIC two scientists have found great ice A few days later the "Edisto," towers which they believe were which was in the vicinity, arrived formed by escaping steam. Both to take off the injured man, who summits were examined from low- was flown back to the United States flying helicopters, and Mount Hamp after the vessel arrived at Punta ton was visited on foot. The ice- Arenas. towers are 30 to 60 feet high. No steam was escaping at the Prince Charles Mountains t^me of their visit early last year. Nor could vent holes be seen from Survey the helicopter. However, snow could The Prince Charles Mountains fill such holes within a few days Survey Group set up their tents on after a pause in steam venting. The the bare ice shelf, but soon had con New Zealand expedition to Mount structed a sprawl of huts, tents, Melbourne in January, 1967, found caravans, tractors and aircraft which such ice towers that were hollow acted as a base for the survey group and in some cases venting steam. and which aroused the curiosity of the native penguins and attracted Perhaps the first hint of recent the ever hungry skua gulls. Nine of activity was the 1959 observation by the men were soon in the mountains American scientists of volcanic rocks on survey or geological work extend- scattered over the ice sheet south of Mount Sidley which is in the same range of volcanic summits as Mount Hampton. These rocks were scattered as much as 15 miles south of the mountains. Since the ice flow is in the opposite direction, it The most noteworthy feature of is doubted that the boulders were the exploration was the study by carried there by glacial movement. Alex Medvecky of extensive coal Lava "bombs" and explosion frag seams with fossil leaves and petri- ments are common. The material field wood in the Beaver Lake apparently erupted through a water vicinity. Three members of the layer, indicating that heat prior to "Beaver Hilton" had genuine coal the explosion may have melted ice fires, and used about a ton of it inside the crater. during their stay there. The Antarctic Division's photo Infra red scanning of the terrain grapher made a film of the expedi south of McMurdo Sound has shown tion's work, and visited several of Mount Morning to be peculiarly the field parties. warm. Hence it is suspected of incipient activity. It may be that similar scanning of the mountains Lack of Exercise in Marie Byrd Land could show if One of the things which amazed they are, in fact, intermittent Peter Snell, the middle distance sources of steam. Olympic Gold Medallist runner who recently visited the Antarctic, was the lack of physical activity carried Ship Picks Up Injured out by the 1,000-odd men at the McMurdo Base. _ Man "There is a picture theatre and a The United Slates Coast Guard bar at McMurdo Sound, but no one ice-breaker "Edisto" picked up a plays sport or does any exercise at seriously injured officer from Palmer all," Snell said. Station on Anvers Island and took "Many of the Americans said they him to Punta Arenas. The officer, were concerned that they were put Lieutenant H. G. Anderson, who was ting on weight. Most of them are in charge of the construction squad just out of University and many ron on the station, was hit on the competed in their track teams while back of the head during blasting at college, but do nothing at all operations on Sunday, March 8. now," he said. ANTARCTIC March, 1969

BRITISH ANTARCTIC SURVEY NEWS

SHACKLETON RANGE SURVEY ary 23 and in the next seven days was able to unload her cargo at a The joint British-American pro point on the ice shelf only three ject in which British surveyors and miles from base. The ship had to geologists were transported to the reberth several times as the sea ice bhacKleton Range by U.S. aircraft was breaking up, but no stores were (see Antarctic, December, 1968) was lost. successful. The surveyors were to establish ground control for existing AIRCRAFT EMERGENCY U.S. photography. On December 10, only a few days A six-man tractor party arrived at after arriving in the Antarctic, the the eastern end of the range on Survey's new twin-engined Otter November 21, having travelled over with nve men on board made a 500 miles from Halley Bay. On the forced landing. Because of the following day, an American C-130 sudden onset of bad weather it was Hercules aircraft landed at Halley unable to return to base, but finally Bay from McMurdo with the British landed safely in bad visibility on the surveyors Ken Blaiklock and Tony Larsen Ice Shelf on the eastern side True on board, and collected 27 of the Antarctic Peninsula. For a dogs, three sledges, two geologists time its precise position was not and two field assistants before re known, but it was clear that it had fuelling and flying on to the Shackle- insufficient fuel to fly back to base. tons. The field party were set down Fortunately there was plenty of food at a point 100 miles from the furth on board. est point reached by the tractor The R.R.S. "John Biscoe" immedi party. The latter had established a ately steamed south along the west line of depots between Halley Bay coast of the peninsula transmitting and the Shackletons, thereby estab radio signals which helped the pilot lishing an overland route which to take bearings and establish his could be used if the aircraft were position. Meanwhile, H.M.S. "En unable to pick up the airborne durance" which was 1,000 miles group. away immediately left for Adelaide A closed tellurometer traverse was Island in Marguerite Bay, and ar completed in the western half of rived there on December 16. The the range in spite of the fact that bad weather continued but the pilot one man broke a leg while ski-ing, was able to use his remaining fuel which meant that he and a man to fly to a depot at Three Slice who had to look after him were out Nunatak (68° 02' S., 64° 58' W.), of action. The tractor party re which was the nearest point to the turned to base on Christmas Eve Stonington Island base that he could and the air party at the end of reach. -j January—some to winter at base On the 16th two Whirlwind Mk. and others to return home on the IX helicopters from "Endurance" "Perla Dan." Ken Blaiklock flew arrived at Stonington. Four days out on the Hercules via McMurdo later, after four abortive attempts, and Christchurch. It is considered thev managed to fly fuel over the that one more season should pro 5,000 ft. plateau to the aircraft, vide complete control for the air which was then able to return safely photography. to Adelaide. After evacuating ail The "Perla Dan" arrived on Janu the men at Fossil Bluff, the twin- March, 1969 ANTARCTIC

Otter flew north to Deception to hydrographic survey of Port Foster await the arrival of "Endurance" where the new ash island had ap which went to collect a crated peared in Telefon Bay during the single-engined Otter from South 1967 eruption. Also at this time a Georgia, where it had been left after joint Royal Society-British Antarc the December, 1967, Deception erup tic Survey party of vulcanologists tion. The single-Otter duly arrived, began a five-week study of the erup was assembled and both aircraft tion area. It was found that inter flew south to Adelaide at the end mittent tremors were occurring and of January. "Endurance" mean during February these increased in while carried out hydrographic sur frequency and severity. Arrange vey work in the Argentine Islands' ments were made to evacuate all area. personnel as quickly as possible, but before the "Shackleton" could OTHER NEWS arrive an eruption of gases occurred The annual relief was carried out —apparently near the unoccupied more or less according to plan, in Chilean base. The Master of the spite of the new Decepiion eruption "Shackleton," Captain David Turn- and stern-gland trouble on the 'John bull, therefore asked the Captain of Biscoe" wnich necessitated the ship the Chilean vessel "Piloto Pardo," going into dry dock at Montevideo which was in the area, if he could early in the season. pick up the men. By that time the Local field work was continued men had left base and set off for a from all bases. At Signy Island all previously arranged rendezvous in biological programmes were main the south of the island, as the erup tained and the geological survey tion cloud was then reaching 10,000 completed. From Stonington Island, ft. and ash and lumps of pumice magnetometer and topographical had begun to fall. This was followed surveys were carried out at various by scoriae up to 3 in. in diameter, localities, and a geophysical party which forced the party to shelter in worked on the Northeast, McClary the lee of a rock—protecting them and Swithinbank Glaciers. Geolo selves with their baggage. During a gists based at Fossil Bluff worked slight lull they were able to reach a in the north-eastern part of George small whaling hut nearby. They then VI Sound. found that their radio had been Assistance was given to the Ameri damaged by debris, and were unable can aviator, Max Conrad, on his to contact the "Piloto Pardo." After flight round the world from pole to an hour the party decided to return pole. Weather reports were issued to base, using corrugated iron sheets by the Argentine Islands and Decep from the hut as protection. When tion Island bases and a rad;o beacon they reached the old whaling tanks set up on Deception. He finally they could see that mud-flows arrived at Adelaide Island but owing (lahars) from above the base, to inimical conditions returned to caused by hot ash melting the Punta Arenas on January 15. glacier on Mt. Pond (1,778 ft.), had The Chilean ship "Aquiles" carry- driven through the base area, de ins 100 tourists (mostly Americans stroying the old hut and half filling and Canadians) called at Deception the new one and the diesel shed. Island and the Argentine Islands; It had also carried away the remains parties from the U.S. icebreaker of the old whaling station (including "Edisto" visited the Argentine Is several large digester tanks), two lands and Adelaide after relieving old tractors, the whalers' cemetery Palmer Station on Anvers Island. and the jetty. They managed to DECEPTION ISLAND ERUPTS cross the mud-flow, examined the AGAIN base buildings and then made their way to the hangar which was un R.R.S. "Shackleton" and H.M.S. damaged except for broken roof- "Endurance" arrived at Deception lights. A drum of fuel was rolled at the beginning of December. All out and ignited with an improvised seemed to be quiet so the base was wick as a beacon; then, back in the re-opened as a summer air facility, hangar, they were able to light a andana a a naval party made a new Primus to brew some tea and dry ANTARCTIC March, 1969 their clothes. After three hours, Sulphurous hot springs have been two helicopters from "Piloto Pardo" observed on the island since the arrived through the pall of ash and early days of sealing, and earth wet snow and took the whole party quakes are known to have taken to the ship. Landing on the ship place in 1921 and 1930. The Decem was extremely difficult as the heli ber 1967 earthquakes and volcanic copter domes were completely ob eruptions were more severe than scured by ash and snow and there anything previously witnessed on was a 30-knot wind and a heavy sea. the island. The eruption was still continuing as the ship left Deception to rendez vous with the "Shackleton" at Dis covery Bay, Livingston Island. In gratitude to our Chilean friends BELGIAN ANTARCTIC we should like to pay tribute to them in the words of Captain David SUMM Turnbull, Master of the "Shackle ton": "The evacuation was a superb 1969 example of skilful seamanship and flying carried out in appalling condi The Belgian team of eight men tions." and their equipment (principally The "Shackleton" returned to De two aeroplanes) were landed on the ice shelf close to SANAE, on January ception two days later and was able to enter the central harbour. Port 21, 1969. The two Belgian aeroplanes initially gave logistic assistance to Foster. A party went ashore to the South African Expedition which collect personal gear and to inspect wanted equipment transported into the damage and assess the possi- the mountains about 220 kilometres •ility of salvaging equipment. The to the south of SANAE to establish Chilean base in the north of the a satellite wintering-over station for island also appears to have been a team of South African geologists. destroyed by a mud-flow. After this, on February 3, the Bel gian team started its programme of measuring the ice-thickness by DECEPTION ISLAND radio-echo sounding from the air. Ring-shaped and about eight miles Unfortunately, following a mechani in diamecer, Deception Island ap cal breakdown of some of the equip pears solid when viewed from most ment, this programme had to be angles on the surface of the sea; curtailed. Details of the programme however, the land ring, actually the actually achieved are awaited, and rim of a volcano whose central cone it is hoped they can be published in has collapsed and flooded, is pierced the next Antarctic. in one ptace by a narrow opening— hence the island's name—providing This expedition, and that of the access by ship to its sheltered bay. preceding summer, have been car Because of the shelter it provided ried out in collaboration with the e"Dm herce Antarctic storms and South Africans and the Belgian team :cause of its nearness to excellent wish to acknowledge the welcome whaling and sealing grounds, the they have been given at SANAE and island served as an advance base of the magnificent spirit of co-opera operations for ships and crews in tion between the two respective those industries as long ago as the operations. early 1800s. It was from Deception Island that a young American sealing cap DAVIS STATION REOPENED tain—Nathaniel Palmer—sailed his On February 19, 1969, the Austra small sloop southward in 1820—be lian station at Davis was reopened, came one of the first to sight the after having been temporarily closed Antarctic Continent. since 1965. March, 1969 ANTARCTIC

ADELIE LAND TASMANIAN VISITS FRENCH From the beginning of September BASE the sea was invisible as far as the horizon, and it remained thus until Mr. E. J. Latham, manager of the the end of November. The floating travel department of Wm. Crosby ice seemed solidly implanted. and Co. of Hobart, was invited by The work undertaken during the the French scientific expedition to third quarter was aimed at main visit the French base of Dumont tenance of the installations, prepara d'Urville in A^°'>° T ani-t for fnnr nr tory for the relief and the summ< programme. ing February. During that time the Weasels were The invitation is a reward for placed in a state of preparedness, and these vessels, together with the came into touch with the scientists necessary material for the glaciology ...!,„„ *U^ ~Emr*r.l\ nlinl VOCCpl "frvm. campaign, have been transported to mandant Charcot" called at Hobart Cape Prud'Homme. in 1948, and this vessel was on the The electrical installation of the Antarctic run until the "Totta" took mechanical workshop has been reno over. The seal chaser "Norsel" was vated. Leakage, due to corrosion, the next vessel used by the French caused a temporary stoppage of the men before the "Magga Dan" was evoporation equipment for the pro introduced into the supply service, duction of fresh water, but this has and she was succeeded compara been rectified. tively recently by the "Thala Dan." The "University" of Dumont d'Ur- Wm. Crosby have been agents for ville finished its mathematics and these expeditions through their con English courses in November, as did nection with the French shipping the series of talks which have proved line the Messageries Maritimes. very successful. These talks in Among the various facilities pro cluded: vided have been the loading of stores, air bookings, general mess The Aborigines of Australia. ages and personal requirements. South East Asia. The Petrels and Penguins of Adelie Land. The Night Sky and Auroras. The Buying and Selling of New and Used Cars. Nella Dan to Assist Sister The staff at Adelie Station are anxious to know if such a series of lectures is undertaken at other Ant arctic and Sub-Antarctic Stations, On March 14 the Australian Minis for they can thoroughly recommend ter for Supply, Senator Ken Ander such a course. son, announced that, at the request of France, the "Nella Dan" had been [Sir Edmund Hillary's team at diverted to assist her sister ship Scott Base, in the winter months of "Thala Dan" which—for the second 1957, had a very successful series of time this season—was blocked by lectures covering a very wide range ice, 60 miles from Dumont d'Urville of subjects.—Editor.] Station in Adelie Land. ANTARCTIC March, 1969

The "Thala Dan" was on her way to the French Station, where 45 NEWS FROM SOUTH men were waiting to return to France. This was to be the ship's AFRICA last point of call before the close of the season. The "Nella Dan" was, at the time, on her way from Maw The R.S.A. left Cape Town on son Station to Macquarie Island. Tuesday, January 7, 1969, on its "Nella Dan" was expected to reach voyage to Antarctica. As in the "Thala Dan" early on March 17, and previous year the South African would use Australian helicopters to relief team was accompanied by a fly the French party over the ice Belgian research team consisting of from the French Station to "Thala nine members, led by Mr. Tony van Dan." Autenboer. The South African team comprised only 14 members as two "Nella Dan," on charter to the members of SANAE IX chose to re lustralian Government, has com main for a second year. They are pleted a highly successful four- Anton Aucamp, a geologist," and month tour of duty, despite the Clive Spencer, one of the mechanics. heavy ice conditions. SANAE was reached on January The ship was on the second leg 21 after a fairly uneventful voyage of her voyage home to Melbourne and only slightly hampered by wind with 12 men of the 1968 Mawson and pack ice. The offloading was a party, four men of the Army party different story, however, and diffi who had spent a year on the ice culties were experienced due to shelf, and 15 men of the geological heavy swells and the height of the d survey party who had been ice shelf. Two Belgian aircraft, a aerating in the Prince Charles Mountains. Cessna and an Otter, and a new Muskeg snow tractor were some of the heavier items which could have presented problems. In spite of NO FRENCH CURBS IN these temporary setbacks all went ANTARCTICA well eventually and soon the base and vicinity was buzzing with ac France was not making any drastic tivity. While a team of artisans reduction in its allocation for Ant from the Public Works Department arctic research as a result of its performed maintenance repairs to the base, the Belgians carried out present financial crisis, the leader of the French scientific expedition research flights aboard their Cessna. (M. Paul Emile Victor) said in Ho At the same lime the transporting bart on December 3, 1968. of stores and equipment to the win tering-over base in the Borg Massiff Expense at the moment, excluding was well under way. any building programme, came to about $800,000 a year, which was It is expected that the research below that being spent by other ship will return during the first nations. week in March, with the Belgians, M. Victor said that the French SANAE IX, the Public Works team crisis could cause the postponement and the observers who accompanied for a year of the construction of the the relief team on board. last hew building at the base at The Japanese research ship, the Dumont d'Urville in Adelie Land. "Fuji," is expected to call at Cape This building was the new living Town approximately March 14. This quarters. has virtually become an annual visit The French scientists are studying much looked forward to by both the physics of the upper atmosphere Japanese and South African scien within the scope of the international tists. programme but with particular em For the relief team on Marion Is phasis on ionospheric research. land, January 2 was a red-letter day, Paul Emile Victor was making his for on that misty morning they were 23rd visit to Antarctica in 17 years. visited by the French research ship, March, 1969 ANTARCTIC the "Gallieni," which called there on She was unable to take on water her way from Cape Town. The joy in Antarctica, where ship's officers of the men on receiving fresh par said ice conditions had been the cels and handwritten post from worst for several years. home can well be imagined. The The "Ob" was still carrying some French biologists spent an hour or heavy equipment needed at Russian two collecting samples of lichens on bases and after leaving Freemantle the island. Moniseur Pierre Rolland, returned to discharge it if the ice Chief Administrator and Head of was cleared away. French Southern and Antarctic Reg ions, and the ship's doctor, Monsieur An American geophysicist from P. J. W. Rivolier, went ashore. They Washington University, Missouri, Dr. were warmly received by the leader Lcroy Scharon, left the "Ob" at and team members. The sojourn Freemantle, and flew to Christ of the men on the island is drawing church, New Zealand, on his way to a close, as they will be relieved home after 14 months working at by the 26th team during April. Con Russian Antarctic bases. sidering the fact that only seven men are confined to the island and to each other's company for longer than a year, the value of hobbies cannot be overestimated. For this reason the interest of Mr. C. H. God frey in the poultry farming on RUSSIAN SKIN DIVERS Marion was noted with apprecia tion. In a special message to the Biologist Alexander Pushkin re Department he reported, among ceived a shock when he went down other things, that 31 hens had laid into the Davis Sea with an aqua- 158 eggs in four days. It is believed lunj that the long daylight hours caused about a third of the hens to lay two He did not expect to find an octo eggs in 24 hours! Mr. Godfrey be pus with tentacles three feet long lieves that, with a little extra care greeting him with an embrace in and planning, enough chickens can the Antarctic. be hatched so that there will be no He was surprised at the wealth of need in future for a supplv of fowls underwater life. to be brought to the island from the Since 1965 Soviet scientists have Republic. submerged about 300 times in the On Gough Island all is well too. waters along the Antarctic coast, The enthusiastic young team mem going down to a depth of 160 feet bers make use of every opportunity through a hole in the ice. to explore the island while not occu pied with meteorological activities. Mikhail Propp, who is publishing The exchange of teams is scheduled a book in Leningrad about the work, to take place during May. says that the general picture of the underwater world in the Antarctic is very similar to that which he RUSSIAN SHIP GALLS found in the depths of the Sea of Japan. FOR WATER The divers found a great variety The 7,540-ton Russian icebreaker of animal life from brightly coloured "Ob" reached Freemantle on Febru sea sponges and stars to sea-urchins. ary 2 from Antarctica with her water "There are so many of them that tanks almost empty. She took on in some places they completely 1.400 tons of water before sailing cover the sea bed," said Propp. south once more. The "Ob," with a crew of 68, in "Many have so far been unknown cluding women and 19 scientists to science, others were considered from Russian Antarctic bases, had to be rare, but they abound in the last taken on water in the Canary Antarctic." Islands in November on her way Scientists gathered about 3,000 south from Russia. species in South Polar waters. ANTARCTIC March, 1969 MAGNIFICENT 1APANESE JOURNEY TO SOUTH POLE The Ninth Japanese Antarctic Re 50 years for Japan to raise the search Expedition has achieved a national flag at the pole since its magnificent achievement in success first attempt. He said he would like fully completing the longest over to express his heartfelt gratitude in land trek both to and from the the co-operation in the project by South Pole. the people of Japan, and it was Regrettably, this splendid feat has equally fortunate that the party not received the attention it should could not only reach the South Pole have by the Press of other countries. but attain fine results in its observa The Japanese team, originally tions and investigations of the white made up of twelve members and continent along the way. He said led by Masayoshi Murayama, left that the Plateau Base of the U.S. Syowa Station on September 28, was so ideally located midway be 1968, on beard four snow vehicles. tween the Syowa Station and the On October 3, however, one of the pole that it served effectively as a expedition members was injured by fuel supply station. an ice drill. He was forced to return Rested and refreshed, and greatly to Syowa Station. appreciative of the American hospi The remaining 11 men continued tality, the party set out on the re on their journey, with expedition turn trip on Christmas Eve. They members engaged in various observ came back to Syowa Station on ation work, including weather, February 16. 1969, after the 141 day, topography and geology, despite ad 5,180 kilometer overland journey. verse conditions. It is expected that the party' will Much interest was shown in the return home to Japan on March 26, Japanese expedition by various where they should receive a heroes' countries concerned, because the welcome. route taken by the team covered areas which had been little explored in the past. The Japanese team was the eighth FINANCE HOLDS UP U.S. expedition to succeed in making an REPLACEMENT HEADQUARTERS overland trek to the South Pole. It was the second Japanese attempt to Talks, which started more than do so, for Lieutenant Nobu Shirase, two years ago. about replacement had led a Japanese team across the headquarters for Operation Deep Ross Ice Shelf to a point 80° 05' Freeze, Christchurch, are still going south latitude on January 28. 1912 on on between the Christchurch City dog sleds, another remarkable feat Council and American officials. for its time, and one, again unfortun Prior to his return to Washington, ately, which did not receive the D C, Rear-Admiral J. Lloyd Abbot aclaim which it deserved. However, said that lack of money was prevent Lieutenant Shirase is now com ing the replacement headquarters memorated by having one of the moving from the planning to design coasts in the Ross Dependency and construction features of the named after him. task. At the end of their long, 2,570- In response to an enquiry, the kilometer overland trip, the team Admiral estimated that the cost led by Mr Murayama finally reached would broadly be between $1 and the South Pole at 2 p.m. on Thurs $2 million. "The use of United States day, December 19, 1968, and received finance would be very difficult to a most warm welcome indeed by come by, involving Congressional the American expedition members. action," said Admiral Abbot, stress Mr Murayama said in his message ing that the headquarters would not to the promoting headquarters of be a permanent base. "We will be the Japanese Antarctic Research Ex tenants of the city of Christchurch, pedition in Tokyo that it took about as we are now." March, 1969 ANTARCTIC NEWS OF THE SUB-ANTARCTIC

Shed, and completed some worth CAMPBELL ISLAND while work during their three weeks (NEW ZEALAND) here. Brian Smith, Leader of the Camp As if all this were not enough for bell Island Party, reported as follows us sheltered creatures, we also wel on February 22. comed ashore the three-man D.S.I.R. team, Gordon Keyes, Ian Johnson The Stall' of Campbell Island have (an ex-Campbellite) and Des Rowles, seen quite a variety of activities for a two-month slay in which to since tne last notes tor th.s bulletin conduct their experiment into X- in December. rays at the 100 Km. level during Xmas and New Year festivities Auroral activity. So far this project went off very well; the cook pro has been a complete success, and duced a vast spread for Xmas has also given the more permanent Dinner which extended throughout inhabitants an unusual interest and the following day, and our Xmas new subjects for the ever popular broadcast from 4ZA was much photography. enjoyed although some rather em Possibly it has been some time barrassed characters were wishing since as large a number as 23 men there was some place to hide! Com ments were many and varied as have lived on the Station for any each man appeared in his best attire length of time. with while shirt and tie; many were The next event of note was the almost unrecognisable. Our New second visit of "Endeavour" on the Year's Eve party went with a swing, 26th, again in perfect weather, when climaxing in "Auld Lang Syne" the "Antipodians" departed, and around the billiard table accom with them three of our members, panied by the fire siren. Tony Ellis returning home after 13 months, and Barney Maquire and Being in 1969 gave us a new lift; Mike Bell on their way to New we seemed to be over a hump, and Zealand for medical examinations. the Calendar had new meaning for A sad day for us as we did not know us. Work around New Year was at this stage if we would get either apparent with a touch-up paint job on the Station Boat and last minute of the two men back. work to complete on "Aurora House" Work has gone on steadily and and associated walkway before the quietly over the past month with arrival of H.M.N.Z.S. "Endeavour" the accent on paper work and re on January 8. She actually arrived cords, as we wish to get as much of on the evening of the 7th and un this out as possible on our last mail loaded on the 8th. The weather was scheduled for March 4. Work on absolutelv perfect and the dav was re-sheathing the boatshed with cor much enjoyed by all, the highlight rugated iron is underway, and we await a calm dav to lower one of being the official opening of Aurora House by Cdr. D. G. Bamfield and the R/T aerials for overhaul. the unvcilinc of a plaque comme Another visit from "Endeavour" morating * the event: incidentallv on February 13 brought us our final filmed by the N.Z.B.C. This visit stores for the winter months ahead, also broueht us eight members of and another enjoyable day with the the Canterbury University Expedi Navy, not to mention the ever-wel tion to the Antipodes Is., who had come mail. failed to make a landing there on Now we look forward to our last the wav down. Thev set up camp, ship and last mail when we reduce complete with pre-fabricated Lab to nine men and settle in for winter. oratory Hut West of the Balloon In many ways winter has the pro- ANTARCTIC March, 1969 mise of being our best time, especi Emergency measures were taken, ally now that we know our two and all were housed comfortably in medical cases are definitely return makeshift quarters and fed well. ing; this is really great news. The extra time spent ashore by the scientists and tradesmen en abled them to push ahead with their particular projects, and long hours MACQUARIE ISLAND of daylight allowed them to do much (AUSTRALIA) more than they expected during the the limited time the ship was at the The polar ship "Nella Dan," which station. arrived at Macquarie Island from Scientific work being carried out Melbourne on December 2, relieved the party of 19 men who had spent the last 12 months on the lonely outpost in the Southern Ocean, 800 miles south-east of Australia. sphere physics, measurements of the The station at Macquarie Island ozone content of the atmosphere, was established in March, 1948, and biological studies of the wild life, for nearly 21 years has been con botanical observations of the vege tinuously manned and maintained tation of the island, and physiology. by the Australian National Antarctic Other projects included in the pre Research Expeditions. sent year's programme are construc Each year the relief party reaches tion of new sleeping quarters, addi the station in December and re tions to the science laboratory and mains for 12 months. Sometimes completion of a store for use of the small parties carry out special re radio section. search programmes during the sum mer months, returning to Melbourne Essential maintenance of the in March. station and equipment will also be carried out. This year a small geological parly from Hobart is making an intensive The 1969 relief party, which has survey of features of the island, and just taken over the station, includes a group of physicists from the Uni six men who have previously served versity of Tasmania is continuing with the Australian National Ant long-term upper-atmospheric re arctic Research Expeditions, includ search. ing four who were together as mem bers of the 1967 expedition to A cable from the Leader of the Wilkes. present expedition, Mr. Ron Weeks, Administrative Officer of the Ant These are the Officer-in-charge, Mr. arctic Division, Department of Sup J. Canham, of Double Bay, N.S.W.; ply, reported that weather conr,: he cook, Mr. C. E. Whitehead, of tions at the station were excellent, ' :rntree Gully, Vic; the senior die- for the first four days while the ship 1 mechanic, Mr. E. L. Hansen, of was being unloaded. However, on December 6 the weather broke up. officer, Mr. R. H. Langtip, of The following day the seas became Revesby, N.S.W. much rougher, and men who had Another member of the present gone ashore to work on their pro party is Dr. G. C. Middleton, who jects were stranded as Army has already spent one term as medi DUKWs, which are used for trans cal officer at Macquarie Island. port, could not return to the ship. Heavy seas and strong winds per The senior weather observer, Mr. sisted throughout Sunday, and the M. Forecast, of Bayswater, Vic, will need to provide for 30 extra men be on his third term with AN ARE, ashore for the weekend taxed the having spent a year at Wilkes in resources of the station. 1965 and a year at Mawson in 1967. March, 1969 ANTARCTIC

was burned in August, was brought FRENCH ISLANDS back into commission on November The French Antarctic expeditions 18, after the visit of the "Sapmer." at various places found that the The usual field expeditions of the southern'' 1 not show summer itself this under past a particu-season season, to Cape Ratmanoff, suc ceeded in October in giving to all ly friendly aspect, and did not base personnel a welcome diversion facilitate the execution of the tasks from the daily preoccupation of their they had set themselves. The men, normal chores. however, pursued their work with the haste which succeeded the tor por of 'wintering' and which an AMSTERDAM ISLAND nounced the nearness of their Except for the wind there was relief. nothing to complain about the wea ther, which stayed very dry for the season, obliging a severe curtail ment of water usage, right up until the end of November. Violent winds above the average have blown almost continuously, The execution of the works pro with freezing temperatures and gramme was continued during the snow-falls every other day, have third quarter by the construction marked the third quarter, especially of the marine biology laboratory. October 1968, and made it impossible The concrete slab base of the build to carry out the scheduled pro ing has been poured, and the metal gramme owing to these unforeseen frame has been erected, and the wall covering placed in position. Most of the work has been com However, the major project of pleted. The yard of the geophysical building two storerooms and mate laboratory has been opened; fresh rial shops has been mainly com concrete has been poured, and the pleted, and the finish of the task is ironwork and boxing of the walls in sight. of the building has been finished. IKERGUELENThe foundation of the marine bio Painting of the auto park has com logy laboratory has been laid and menced, and the petrol depot tanks the metal work is under way. have been painted. Work on the delicate task of put Finally .market garden activities ting in place the feed-line to the new are in fiill swing. lozenge-shaped Paris antenna was also hampered in November by the bad weather. The old quarters, the CROZET port, and the hydrogen factory are In spite of the weathrer's vagaries now connected to the 220-380 volt the Fifth Mission was able to com electricity supply: only the labora plete its allocated works programme tory quarter is still "not yet con by November 4 when the "Sapmer" nected. arrived to bring the long-awaited The transmitter E.B. 435 of 35KW mail from France. was officially brought into service on The bulk fuel station has been November 22, and uses the newly- completed and is in working order. erected lozenge Kerguelen-Paris The lozenge antenna is completed. antenna. Only maintenance works are being The work of repairing and main pursued, and this is a general clearv taining has also been pursued, with ing-up. During the third quarter, the complete renovation of the two reconnaissances were carried kitchen and the office, the painting out in the west and south-west of of the auto park and the A and A2 the islands, one in October, and the buildings. other in November. Several sorties have also been made to American The chemistry laboratory, which Bay. ANTARCTIC March, 1969

THE WEDDELL SEAL

By IAN STIRLING

Zoology Department, Canterbury University, Christchurch.

The Weddell seal is the most Female Weddell seals become southerly dwelling mammal in the sexually mature at three years of world except for man himself. It age and are potentially capable of is circumpolar and is abundant in producing one pup per year. Twin the fast ice of the Antarctic con ning is virtually non-existent and tinent and associated islands. It the ratio of male to female pups is occurs, though much less frequently, even. The average age of adults in in the pack ice, and individuals McMurdo Sound is about 8 to 9 have been seen as far north as years and some may live to 16 or 17. Uruguay, Chile, Australia, and New Pups in McMurdo Sound are born Zealand. Current estimates of total on to the sea ice in late October and numbers range between 500,000 and early November, weigh about 65 lb., 2,000,000. double their weight in 10 days, and The Weddell seal was first known weigh 250 lb. in six weeks when they *n °^ience from specimens found are weaned. The adult diet is mainly fish and squids. Feedinf av in 1837 at the mouth of the takes place at night and e^.^ ,..w. :ruz River in Patagonia. It ing, resulting in most seals resti..0 was later more fully described in on the surface of the ice in the "The Zoology of the Erebus and the afternoon. They have been recorded Terror," the scientific results of Cap catching fish up to 120 lb. tain Ross's expedition of 1840. After much confusion with several Latin Since the Weddell seal is basically names (including that of the sea a resident of the fast ice, it is not lion) it was finally named Leptony- normally in danger of predation chotes weddelli; Leptonychotes other than by man. However, in the meaning small fingernails (referring pack ice killer whales prey on all to those on the hind flippers) and seals and leopard seals probably weddelli after James Weddell who take some young Weddell seals. The commanded the British sealing ex water is too cold for large sharks pedition of 1822-24 which penetrated such as might attack seals near New far south into the Weddell Sea, also Zealand. named after him. Predation by man on Weddell seals to provide food for himself Basically there are two types of and his dogs has taken place on seals: those that have external ears nearly all Antarctic expeditions, and walk upright on their fore flip especially in the Ross Sea where pers (the fur seals and sea lions); there are fewer crabeater seals. In and the so-called "true seals" which the present day, New Zealand, Aus have no external ears and wriggle tralian, and British expeditions still on their stomachs (such as the kill seals to feed huskies. elephant seal and the Antarctic On early trips seal meat (with seals). The Antarctic seals belong blubber) was eaten to prevent to a special tribe called the lobo- scurvv and Amundsen's men pre dontini and have two basic charac ferred it to any of their tinned ters: females are larger than males, meats. Scott's men as well as and they mature and die younger Amundsen's found the brain the than their Arctic seal counterparts. greatest delicacy besides being very March, 1969 ANTARCTIC

■.;...-'.:'.:,:.'.•;•.■ Is -':. H ,;.-;/. .- ■....-.. HElSSs

Weddell Seals are easy to approach.

(Photo: Ian Stirling)

■ partial to the heart, kidneys, and commercial sealing is still carried liver. Raw seal was of course the out in the northern hemisphere, staple diet of scurvy-free Eskimos mainly on fur seals, walruses, harp prior to the arrival of white men. seals, and hooded seals. To an Eskimo pieces of pure blub ber were candy and they made Just recently, an outcry from ani chewing gum of coagulated blood. mal protection societies in Europe and North America has resulted in The inaccessibility of the Weddell commercial boycotts of many furs. seals' habitat has protected it from Seal skins which a few years ago reckless depredation by commercial were worth 15 to 30 dollars now sealers. By comparison, sealers ex fetch only 2 dollars. However, while terminated fur seals and elephant this boycott may benefit over- seals from several locations in the harvested herds of some seal spec southern seas during the late nine ies, it is indiscriminate and has teenth century. Today, extensive severely affected the Eskimo enon- omy, which is based on the killing of a plentiful species of seal. It has WOMEN'S ANTARCTIC also affected the Alaskan people, who harvest 90,000 northern fur EXPEDITION seals per year from one of the best- managed herds of wild animals in the world. This herd is stable at FROM ARGENTINE about l\ million animals and re search has gone hand in hand with Four women scientists are em management, resulting in a sus barked on what the Argentine Gov tained annual harvest that has so far ernment describes as the first female yielded a gross profit of about 25 scientific expedition to Antarctica. million dollars from about 2 million The ladies are spending the Argen skins. tine summer months—December to March—studying marine life at a In 1965 the Norwegians had an scientific station run by the Navy experimental scaling expedition to Hydrographic Service on Palmer the pack ice of the Weddell Sea and Island. world interest in Antarctic sealing is "We have wanted all our lives to make this trip; finally to touch with increasing. Provided adequate re our own hands the sea life that until search comes first, there is no reason now we have only been able to study to prevent harvesting of Weddell as preserved specimens," said Dr. seals. Irene Bernasconi, a biologist who has earned an international reputa A method of marking individual tion for her studies of echinoderm, seals is essential for a detailed especially starfish. populations study such as required The three others making the trip prior to harvesting seals. This pro to Palmer Island in an Argentine vides basic information on survival, Navy ship are Dr. Maria Adela Caria, length of life, birth rate, death rate, a bacteriologist who is chief of the dispersal, and daily and seasonal microbiology department of the movement. Two methods of mark Bernardino Rivadavia Museum of ing, branding and tagging have been Natural Sciences in Buenos Aires; applied to different species of seals Dr. Elena Martinez Fontes, a bio as the situation demanded. Under logist who heads the marine inverte suitable circumstances, branding is brate section at the Rivadavia Mu probably best because of its per seum; and Dr. Carmen Pujals, a uni manence. Properly done, branding versity professor of natural sciences causes no more discomfort to a seal and a specialist in algae. than it does to a calf. Recently Dr. Pujals hopes to be able to there has been a storm of contro make new classifications of the gen versy over the issue of an Australian era Iridaea and Phodogloossum stamp depicting branding of ele "based on observations of these phant seal pups. Unfortunately, this algae in their own sauce," as she has been misguided emotion from puts it. groups that did not consider the high standard of the work, the care taken, or the excellent information being obtained through this pro gramme. DOMED ICE CITIES One of the most notable charac Cities under domes and hotels on ters of the Weddell seal is its placid ice are foreseen in the Antarctic by nature. It is unafraid of humans the Director of the French Antarctic and thus easy to approach for ob Expedition, Mr. Paul-Emile Victor. servation at close range, occurs in Speaking on an Australian broad large numbers, and is easy to catch casting programme last December, for detailed examination, measure he said that a civilisation on ice was ments, or marking. No other spec feasible, provided the expenses were ies of seal is so well suited for such economically justified, by the pre a variety of detailed studies. sence of minerals for example. March, 1969 ANTARCTIC Victoria University Visits The Skelton Neve And Boomerang Range

By PETER WEBB

This last summer season saw 4. Investigation of meltwater chan VUWAE's twelfth season of held nels, deltas, and alluvial fans by work in the Ross Dependency. The Russell Blong. 1968/69 party was made up as fol All projects were successfully lows: Peter Webb, Leader/Senior completed. geologist; Barrie McKelvey, Deputy THE GEOLOGICAL PARTY Leader/Senior geologist; Barry For logistic reasons the geological Kohn, geologist; Mike Gordon, geo programme was divided into two logist; Burt Murrell, geologist; Jim phases. The first phase involved Cousins, geophysicist; and Russell visits to ranges and nunataks around Hong, geomorpnologist. During the visit to the Skelton Neve-Boomerang the Skelton Neve. This was accom "Lange area the geological party was plished by using toboggans and assisted by Carlo Mauri and Alesio sledges and included visits to Boom erang Range, Warren Range, Portal Oilier, both members of the Italian Mountain and Mt. Metschel. The Alpine Club Antarctic Expedition. Barrie McKelvey is a lecturer at second phase was carried out by 3 University of New England, helicopter and took in visits to imidale, N.S.W., and Peter Webb Table Mountain, Knobhead, Aztec „n the staff of the Geological Survey Mountain, Maya Mountain, Kennar at Lower Hutt. Both were granted Valley, Mt. Fleming, and the western leave from their posts to participate Asgaard and Olympus Ranges. For in this year's expedition. Barry the first phase the four-man geologi Kohn, Mike Gorton, Burt Murrell cal party was assisted by two mem «nd Jim Cousins are all senior stud- bers of the Italian Antarctic Expedi its at Victoria University of Wel tion. During the second phase the lington. Russell Blong is a New party was reduced to the four geo Zealand graduate and is currently logists alone. preparing a Ph.D. thesis at the Uni EARLIER EXPLORATION ON THE versity of Sydney. He was invited SKELTON NEVE to carry out his programme with the The first reference to this area is VUWAE party. probably that mentioned in Scott's This year VUWAE undertook four The Voyage of the 'Discovery'. In projects: the account of his return from the 1. Investigation of Beacon Group western journey on to the plateau stratigraphy and paleontology in 1903 Scott notes in the entry for between the Boomerang and December 19 (Chapter XVIII), "We Olympus Ranges (McKelvey, had not been going for more than Webb, Gorton, Kohn); an hour in the afternoon, however, 2. Investigation of Quarternary when Evan's sharp eye sighted the stratigraphy in Wright and Tay land, and soon some isolated nuna lor Valleys, a project started last taks appeared on both bows. . . . season by Professor Wellman Later we rose several mountain and Mr. Vucetich and continued peaks to the S.E., but cloud hangs this summer by Burt Murrell; so persistently about them that I 3. Gathering heat flow measure cannot recognise anything." Two ments from the floor of Mc days later the party (Scott, Evans Murdo Sound, along the west and Lashly) arrived back at Depot coast of Ross Island, undertaken Nunatak. It seems likely that the by Jim Cousins; peaks which they observed to the

■ I IL^t ANTARCTIC March, 1969

Christmas camp at Escalade Peak, looking south to Mulock Glacier.

(Photo: Peter Webb). March, 1969 ANTARCTIC

southeast would be the Lashly T.A.E. Plateau Depot by way of the Mountains and some of the peaks Skelton Glacier, Skelton Neve and in Warren Range, Boomerang Range The Portal. Mulgrew also joined and perhaps the Worcester Range. this party for a short period and climbed a small rock spire on the A Map of the District near the slopes of Portal Mountain as the 'Discovery' Winter Quarters (pre- party moved eastwards back across the neve. Douglas and Brooke {>aredogical byinformation Lieut. Mulock by Ferrar) with geo-was climbed Neve Nunatak during the published by the National Antarctic same journey but no other rock Expedition in 1906. The area now climbs are recorded by this party. referred to as the Skelton Neve is In October 1957 Miller and Marsh blank except for large lettering 'In with dogs, and Hillary, Ellis, Bal- land Ice'. Mulock shows two peaks ham and Mulgrew with tractors, to the south of Depot Nunatak, re ascended the Skelton Glacier and ferred to as Lonely Peaks and Far traversed the Skelton Neve on their West Mountain. Both had elevations in excess of 8,000 feet. way to the Plateau Depot. No map ping or geological work was under taken by these groups. This was The topographic Map of McMurdo left until January 1958 when the Sound Region (prepared by Deben- T.A.E. Northern Party, consisting of ham and published in 1923) which Gunn, Warren, Brooke and Douglas, accompanied the British Antarctic arrived in the area after sledging Expedition 1910-13 (Terra Nova) down from the Mackay Glacier. This reports does not improve on Mu- group spent about a" week in the lock's map in the Skelton Neve area. area, making geological visits to Mulock's Lonely Peaks and Far West Escalade Peak, the Alligator Peak Mountains are referred to as Lashly Mountains on this map. region, and Allemand Peak. Topo graphic survey stations were estab lished on Escalade, Allemand Peak, Although Scott and Shackleton's and on another high peak further to southern sledge journeys took them the south in the Boomerang Range. past the mouth of the' Skelton Gla Geological and topographic results cier (their Skelton Inlet), they were of this visit to the area are con alwavs at too low an elevation and tained in a bulletin and maps (scale too far out from the coast to gain 1 : 250,000) published by Gunn and any appreciation of the inland topo Warren in 1962. Later in the summer graphy. However, had these earlv of 1958 Sir Vivian Fuchs crossed the parties climbed one of the peaks oh Skelton Neve on his wav between the southern side of the Taylor Gla Plateau Depot and Scott Base. cier, they would have commanded an excellent view of the Skelton In the post T.A.E. era two further Neve and the peripheral ranges. As tractor traverse parties used this it was, a further forty-five years were to elapse before the area was route. In November 1958 Bert Crarv, accompanied by Dr. T. Hatherton, penetrated and mapped. led a U.S.I.G.Y. seismic party through After aerial reconnaissance of the the area and on to the plateau, re maior coastal glaciers during the turning along the same path in early stages of the Trans-Antarctic January 1959. In October 1959 a Expedition, Gunn selected the Skel U.S.A.R.P. traverse, which included ton Glacier as the most favourable New Zealander Arnold Heine, fol overland route between the Mc lowed the same route to the plateau Murdo Sound and the Inland Pla on their journey to northern Victoria teau. In the following four summers Land. Since the spate of traffic this route was to become a major between 1957-60 the area saw no fur- highway as the many tractor and !!r<7,rw.\lsitors until last summer's dog teams plied their way to and VUWAE expedition. from the plateau. Three maps of this area have ap In late January 1957 Brooke, Ellis, peared in the last twelve years. The Ayres, and Douglas sledged to the N.Z.M.S. 135 was published by the ANTARCTIC March, 1969

Lands and Survey, Wellington, in neve, although this is more pro June 1957. This relied heavily on nounced close to rock exposures. topographic data from the early The surface is for the most part expeditions but contained new in hard rippled ice or hard sastrugi, formation in the Skelton Glacier soft snow surfaces being confinec and Skelton Neve areas. The rough mostly to the eastern part of th< outlines of the Boomerang Range, neve." The Boomerang Range, War Portal Mountain, The Portal, Neve ren Range, and Portal Mountain and Halfway Nunataks, and Clinker are the major topographic features Bluff are indicated on this map, on the western border of the Skelton being based on survey data gathered Neve. The eastern sides of these in the early days of the Trans-Ant features are steep and rise to a arctic Expedition. height of several thousand feet above the neve surface. The eastern In March 1961 the Lands and Sur- faces have been modified by small vev, Wellington, published the pro alpine glaciers, most of which have visional edition of N.Z.M.S. 175/3 at now retreated to leave wide aprons a scale of 1 : 250,000. of terminal moraine. Excellent moraine-free rock exposures are The most recent map of the area available on the eastern faces of is one published in 1965 by the U.S. these ranges. The western faces Geological Survey at a scale of take the form of low slopes which 1 : 250,000 (Reconnaissance Series— are usually covered with ice or Mt. Harmsworth). This map was compiled in 1963 from aerial photos taken between 1956 and 1961. RECCE FLIGHTS AND PUT-IN GEOGRAPHIC SETTING OF THE SKELTON NfiVfi & BOOMERANG The first recce flight took place RANGE AREA on December 3, at the tail end of a fuel supply flight to Byrd Station. The Skelton Neve may be regarded Some two hours were spent over as a large ice basin separated from the Skelton Neve and Taylor Glacier the Inland Plateau on the west by area obtaining photographs and a string of ranges and nunataks and searching out a landing site. Our bounded on the east by the Royal original plan called for a landing as Society and Worcester Ranges. The close to the Boomerang Range as major entry of ice occurs through possible but this was not to be. The The Portal and over adjacent ice recce flight (by CI30 Hercules) re falls, the major outlet being through vealed an impressive amount of un the Skelton Glacier to the Ross Ice dulating blue ice and sastrugi over Shelf. There are also direct connec most of the neve. A wheeled land tions to the Mulock and Ferrar Gla ing was hinted at but it was finally ciers to the south and north respec decided that a second recce flight tively. The Skelton Neve is approxi was necessary. This took place on mately fifty miles long in a NE-SW December 6 and was mainly devoted direction, and thirty miles wide in to low level runs and a number of NW-SE direction. The neve attains trial touch-downs. The neve surface its highest elevation of around 1600 seemed even worse at zero feet and to 2000 metres in the north (in the the groans and vibrations emanating region of The Portal) but drops from below suggested that the skis progressively westwards and south- were going through hell. The gen westwards to about 1200 metres. eral impression was that a landing The western and southwestern por on the Skelton Neve was out of the tion of the neve receives little snow quest'on and it was a rather de or ice and shows all the signs of spondent VUWAE group which flew progressive stagnation and retreat, back to Williams Field that morn leaving a series of lateral moraines ing. To keep the project alive I along the sides of emergent nuna immediately proposed that we be taks and ranges. An undulating Dut in on the plateau where we relief is characteristic of the whole knew that the T.A.E. Beaver aircraft had landed while stocking the Pla snow and blowing packets of de teau Depot in 1957. And so on hydrated meat and vegetables for December 12 we left Williams Field miles. All of a sudden we had with this plan in mind. Major Noll, arrived at our base camp, a few realising that a plateau landing miles northwest of Neve Nunatak, would add many days of unproduc on the eastern side of the Skelton tive travelling to our programme, Neve. was determined to make a landing on the Skelton Neve and spent a further two hours in trial landings. FIELDWORK AND OTHER Just as bumpy trial touch and go ACTIVITIES landings were becoming a monoto nous habit, we hit a patch of snow, In the course of the whole season the props went into reverse pitch, the geological party spent a total of the C130 jolted to a halt, we threw 78 days in Antarctica. It may be of 7.000 pounds of supplies on to the interest to show how this time was snow in a suffocating atmosphere spent: transit from Wellington to of Dure kerosene fumes, the plane Scott Base and return, 5 days; at raced off, covering us with powder Scott Base, 18 days; geological work,

Preparing to move camp on Skeleton Neve. Boomerang Range on sky-line.

(Photo: Peter Webb). ANTARCTIC March, 1969

30 days (but as we functioned throughout the season as two 2-man parties the effective time spent on ham, frankfurters, rissoles, orange geology is approximately 60 days); juice, pineapples, etc. In a fit of spent shifting with toboggans, 6 nostalgia we sifted through our days; spent shifting by air, also 6 "paleo-rubbish tips" and were quite days; lost due to bad weather and surprised at the diet on which we delayed planes, 13 days. The large had been living, mostly cornflakes area's of blue ice and rough sastrugi, and tinned beer, it seems. Matches and the poor state of the toboggans, and candles still functioned perfect compelled us to move camp as little ly, but the paper wrapped butter as possible. In fact, we found it had turned a waxy white. The bread much more efficient to establish a (we were working as an American few camps and make extended 'one'- I.G.Y. party at the time) was a bit day trips by toboggan from these dry, and the eggs . . . well, what had centres. We did not carry out any been a dozen fresh eggs were now a dozen yellowish pea-sized dehydrated geological work on shifting days. balls. With some amusement I opened a field "comfort pack" and Over the next four weeks visits extracted a bar of chocolate, toilet were made to most parts of the paper and chewing gum. In view Boomerang Range and to Warren of the exceedingly strong winds it Range, Escalade, Portal Mountain, is surprising that these old camps and Mt. Metschel. During this time and their flotsam survive so long. Carlo Mauri and Alesio Oilier man The degree of rusting of the tins aged to climb a number of good seemed to varv from camp to camp, peaks, most of them never previ perhaps reflecting the varying humi- ously ascended. The highest of these ditv of the different sites. Full jerry- was Mt. Warren (7,700 feet). Carlo cans of kerosene had survived these also shot off hundreds of feet of eleven or twelve vears. as did the colour film on the activities of a footprints around the old camp-sites. "typical" New Zealand field party. We arranged for our pick-up by CI30 to be made at the put-in site and so Seal, penguin and skua carcases made our way back to the eastern have been reported from most parts side of the neve, arriving there on of the dry valley systems but I know January 3. Pick-up was scheduled of only few reports from the south for next day, but it was not until ern side of the Taylor Glacier. It the 8th that our plane finally ar may be of interest to note that a rived. And so back to Scott Base penguin carcase was found in Ken where our very brief stay coincided nar Valley, four miles west of Finger with the official dinner to the Gover Mountain, and very close to the nor-General Sir Arthur Porritt. With Polar Plateau. To arrive at this spirits uplifted we headed back into spot the unfortunate bird had to the field, this time by helicopter, for negotiate fifty miles of rough glacier the second phase of the geological ice and climb to a height or 5,000 programme. In the following four feet. weeks camps were established at Table Mountain. Knobhead, Beacon Vallfv, Kennar Vallev, Mt. Fleming, GEOLOGICAL COLLECTIONS Mt. Baldar, and Mt. Circe. The party was lifted back to Scott on Febru During the visit to the Boomerang ary 6. Range in 1958 Guy on Warren made collections of fish from Devonian Barrie McKelvey and Peter Webb siltstones in the Beacon Group. It had visited some of these localities was felt that further collections during the 1957/58 and 1958/59 sea were required from these and any sons, so we made a point of visiting other localities in the area and it some of these old camp-sites and was this task that prompted VUWAE the food dumps left at them. The to visit the Skelton Neve. In the intervening eleven years had seen time available we were able to little deterioration in the quality of amass quite a good collection of March, 1969 ANTARCTIC

fish. No complete skeletons were pleted a record of service not only discovered but we did locate crush to scientists in the Antarctic but to ed skulls, jaws, teeth, body armour others on Campbell Island and and fin spines. Collections of Per numerous individuals and groups of mian plant material, including researchers studying an amazing leaves, and wood were also made. range of subjects. Important formations recognised "Endeavour" has made 14 round during the first phase of this year's trips to the ice, and her two voyages programme were traced northwards this season are good examples of the into the classic Taylor Glacier area type of work she has undertaken during the second phase. over the years. She left Lyttelton ACKNOWLEDGMENTS early in January and in addition to the three-quarters of a million gal In several other accounts and re lons of diesel fuel and a multitude of ports I have acknowledged those equipment and supplies for use in who contributed to the success of Antarctica, she carried the Antipodes tbis expedition. Here I wish to ac Island Expedition, the Campbell knowledge one small group without Island Party, and oceanographers whose help our expedition would from Victoria University and the never have got off the ground. On Naval Research Laboratory. behalf of all expedition members I would like to offer my sincere From the time she cleared the thanks to Squadron VX-6 of the U.S. New Zealand coast, research work Navy for their help throughout the was going on. After Campbell Is season. I would like to mention, in land the vessel sailed direct to Mc particular, the crews of CI30/318 and Murdo Sound, where she discharged 319, Ledr. Stewart, Maj. Noll, Maj. her valuable cargo before returning Cantrell, Lt. Vivian, and Lt. Lasher; to Lyttelton. She then made another and helicopter commanders Lt. Free journey south to bring back the man and Lt. La Rochelle. summer party from Scott Base and To Carlo Mauri and Alesio Oilier the research group from Antipodes of the Italian Alpine Club/Antarctic Island. Expedition we offer our gratitude The Endeavour first saw service for assistance during the Boomerang with the United States Navy as the Range trip. USS Namakagon. She was acquired on loan from America and after a refit was commissioned and named ENDEAVOUR'S LAST ICE Endeavour in 1962. VOYAGE ? During her refit the ship was specially strengthened to operate in The Royal New Zealand Navy's ice. She had a treble thickness of supply ship "Endeavour" is complet steel plate fitted to her bow and a ing what could well be her last voy double thickness fitted over much age into Antarctic waters. The vital task of supply both American and of the rest of her hull. In addition New Zealand Antarctic scientific the number of hull frames was stations which has been carried out increased. by 'Endeavour' and her sister United What of the future? There is the States Navy vessels, will probably possibility that the Endeavour may be taken over next season by an ice- make one more trip south next year, strengthened U.S. Military Sea but there is plenty of work for her Transport Service Tanker. in more temperate zones. Such a tanker will, in one voyage, As a fleet replenishment vessel be able to transport the fuel and she has a valuable role to play in other supplies previously carried to supporting other ships of the Navy. the ice in four round trips by a She is admirably suited to oceano- smaller U.S. Navy tanker and two graphic work and for Pacific Islands round trips by the Endeavour. support tasks. But whatever the But when her Captain, Com future holds for Endeavour she will mander D. G. Bamfield, M.B.E.. most certainly be remembered for brought her into Lyttelton early in her work in support of projects in March, the "Endeavour" com Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters. ANTARCTIC March, 1969 THE READER WRITES Sidelights of Antarctic Research

Letters, preferably not longer than hurricane wind carrying drift snow 500-600 words, are invited from most of the time. While the four readers who have observed some skylights in the peaked roof were a little-known facet of Antarctic life or boon to the occupants, they were a who have reached conclusions of point of weakness, though trouble- interest on some Antarctic problem. free when kept closed during the — Ed. occupation. Visiting parties in sub sequent years regarded them differ Acrefield, Deganwy Rd., ently, since the skylights afforded Llandudno, Wales, the only means of entry, after ice United Kingdom. had built up from the floor inside. Dear Sir, Unfortunately, replacing the sky light was too difficult a job to per A.A.E. 1912 HUT AT CAPE form effectively under the conditions obtaining, with the result that the DENISON hut has become snowed and iced up almost completely. Certainly, it will It was with considerable interest be no small operation to clear, dis that I read in your September issue mantle, and transport the hut, if it (51st) of the proposal to recover and is to be preserved in a fit state for reserve the hut built by Mawson's re-erection. Australasian Antarctic Expedition at The other hut in Cape Denison, Cape Denison, Commonwealth Bay, in 1912. not mentioned by Mr. Bill Burch, is my magnetograph house some quar Probably, I am the only survivor ter mile away from the main hut. of the Main Base party who took an This was designed and built by me active part in the building of that (and others) with light T and G hut. The design was admirable for timber procured in the last few the actual conditions encountered weeks before departure from Ho which proved immeasurably more bart. As temperature control was severe than experienced by Mawson a paramount requirement, we took in McMurdo Sound-Victoria Land, even greater care to ensure light and which included an average wind ness. According to Mr. Burrows of velocity almost twice that ever re Christchurch, N.Z. Magnetic Obser corded anywhere else in the world. vatory, who occupied the hut for However, first location and then magnetic observations in January, construction of the hut under the 1962, it was still tight and free of actual conditions taxed to the ut snow after 50 years. most the technical ability, ingenuity, Needless to say, I shall be most patience, etc., etc., of the consider interested to learn whether any fur able array of young colonial engi ther move is being made, either to neers and other practical men in remove our old hut to Australia, or volved. The best site available had to restore, reinforce and maintain a very uneven rock surface and the it on its present site. Being now timbers had suffered considerably retired, I would be glad to give any from pounding by breaking seas and assistance of which an able-bodied traffic along the "Aurora's" deck and veteran is capable. from the various handlings and haulage to site, so that much had to With best wishes, be adapted or modified on the spot. Yours very truly, It is remarkable that, in all the E. N. WEBB, circumstances, the hut was so tight Chief Magnetician, as it proved against the continuous A.A.E. 1911-1914. ANTARCTIC

Via Marradi 139 Livorno 57100 SOCIETY NEWS Italy. Dear Sir, WELLINGTON BRANCH I regularly receive your "News Bulletin" and I thank you. A recent meeting of the Welling ton Committee examined a tentative I read it with great interest, be programme for the coming year. cause many personalities there men Some talks and film evenings are tioned, or appearing in the pictures, envisaged and occasional social are known to me. On the cover of events at the appropriate time. the September issue, which has just Initially it is hoped to show a new been received, I see, standing on top release on Macquarie Island by of Mount Erebus, several explorers Pacific Films with Chris Thomas of and with them Carlo Mauri, the the Australian Marine Department Italian who had just spent one Fisheries Laboratory to tell of his month at Scott Base when I arrived there. As you may know, I have experiences there. been twice in Antarctica, and I was It is proposed to have a function the first Italian and European on Saturday, June 21, to celebrate woman to visit McMurdo Station M i d w i n t e r D a y. A d i n n e r w i t h and Scott Base, flying straight from guest speaker, or possibly a dinner/ Italy to New Zealand for such an dance is being mooted at this stage, interesting expedition with the and members have been invited to "Magga Dan." I would like to read express a preference. A mixed social about it in the Antarctic bulletin, occasion now seems to be accepted and why not to see my picture either as popular. on the coyer or inside. That is why I enclose in this letter two pictures The Antarctic Treaty Commemora of mine. The one at Scott Base tion Ceremony held at the Richard shows Captain Bill Webb receiving E. Byrd Memorial, Mt. Victoria, Wel from me the Italian llag. . . I will be lington, with the American Ambas very pleased to show it to the Direc sador, Mr. John F. Henning, as guest tor of "Giornale d'ltalia" of Rome, speaker received wide publicity. the most important of Italy, which On Sunday, March 23, at the Robert publishes my articles and my pic F. Scott Memorial Service at St. tures, and many other newspapers and magazines with whom I col Paul's Cathedral, Wellington, Dean laborate. Hurst took Antarctic endeavour as All my best greetings for the New his principal theme for the evening Year and for you and for all the sermon. members. Bob Thomson was pleased to see Yours, such a good muster at the Antarctic A. PINA MORANDO. Division pre-Christmas function, and II am very happy to oblige a lady, has issued a warm invitation to and the photograph appears below. Society members to feel free to use —Ed.] the splendid Antarctic library and information service at any time.

CANTERBURY BRANCH SECRETARY OF THE BRANCH The previous Secretary of the Branch, Mrs. Dorothy Braxton, moved to Port Moresby, New Guinea, just before Christmas, where she is finding a big contrast between Christchurch's temperate climate and that of the tropics. The Com mittee held a farewell party for ANTARCTIC March, 1969

Dorothy at John and Nola Claydon's Marine Department representative. home. Rob, no doubt, would be pleased The duties of Secretary of the when because of weather conditions Branch have now been taken over the "Endeavour" could not land the by Miss Helen Claydon. Helen is party on the island immediately as the daughter of John Claydon, who planned, and as a result they had to was in charge of the R.N.Z.A.F. be offloaded on Campbell Island for Flight with the New Zealand Party a while. Rob had been on Campbell of the Trans-Antarctic Expedition. Island before and always spoke John is now a Committee member with enthusiasm of his stay there. on the Canterbury Branch. Helen works for a travel agency, and can KEN BLAIKLOCK type and do all Secretarial duties. While in Christchurch Ken Blaik lock met up with fellow Trans-Ant BRANCH MEETINGS arctic expedition member John The November meeting was ad dressed by Marie Darby who spoke Claydon. on ner experiences with the two NEW MEMBERS tourist parties wno sailed south last Ten new members have recently year on the "Magga Dan." Guests tor the evening were the four mem joined the Canterbury Branch. bers of the Italian Antartic Party EDITOR'S NOTES who are at present with the New My wife and I farewelled the Zealanders down south. Dominion President, Harold Grif There was an attendance of 60 fiths, and his wife Olive when they members and friends at the film left by the "Ellinis" on February 10 evening on February 6, when films on their way to the United States of the efficient and well-organised and the United Kingdom for six French Base of Dumont d'Urville montbs' holiday. While overseas and a Belgian Antarctic film was Harold hopes to have the oppor shown. Special guest of the evening tunity of renewing friendships with was Dr. Henry Dater, President of various Antarctic personalities. the American Antarctican Society, Dr. Harry Dater, President of the who is a Historian with the U.S. American Antarctican Society, spent Navy. a day with me in Wellington discus The next meeting will be held on sing Antarctic affairs, on his recent March 3, when Rear-Admiral J. L. return from McMurdo, and also took Abbot, Commander "Operation Deep the opportunity to again meet Les Freeze," will speak to the Branch Quartermain. of his experiences and impressions during his two years as Commanding Officer of the U.S. Antarctic Support Force. Admiral Abbot and Mrs. Abbot will leave to return to the United States on March 10. FIRST EGYPTIAN IN DUSTIN POLAR PARTY When the party, organised by the ANTARCTICA Admiral Byrd Polar Centre (see De cember Antarctic), arrived in Christ For the first time, an Egyptian is church they were given a special to accompany an Australian group dinner at Shirley Lodge, at which to the Antarctic. He is Dr. Adel

Griffiths, were invite the Society. with the Australian party which left ROB STANLEY VISITS THE Perth in the "Nella Dan" at the end ANTIPODES of January. Well-known member and former Previously Registrar of Pathology President of the Branch, Rob Stan at the Royal Children's Hospital, ley, joined the University of Canter Melbourne, he applied for Antarctic bury Expedition to the Antipodes as experience in quest of adventure. March, 1969 ANTARCTIC

ANTARCTIC BOOKSHELF

A WORLD OF MEN: Exploration Graham Land plateau. They en countered much bad weather and in Antarctica. difficult going. One of the most unusual features they discovered By Wally Herbert. Published bv was tbe Catwalk, where the plateau Eyre and Spottiswoode, London, 1968. 232 pages, colour and black narrowed to a ridge which plum and white illustrations, drawings meted down a sheer 1,500 feet on either side. Fortunately they had a by author, map. U.K. Price: 50s. rare spell of fine calm weather at this spot, otherwise they could have Wally Herbert, who is at present been in trouble. leading the British Trans-Arctic Ex pedition in an attempt to cross the North Pole from the Alaska coast After a spell in England he was commissioned to select more hus to Spitsbergen by dogsled with three kies in Greenland and transport companions, has experience of Ant arctic conditions at both Palmer them to New Zealand for use at Peninsula and in the Ross Depen Scott Base. He was also selected dency. as a wintering-over surveyor and dog-handler. Scott Base was a con His interview for a position in the trast to the Hope Bay type of ex Falkland Islands Dependencies Sur pedition, and it is evident that Her vey ended, he thought, disastrously, bert would have greatly enjoyed however later he received advice membership of the New Zealand that he had been selected, but the Party of the Trans-Antarctic Expedi same mail also brought acceptance tion rather than the greater empha of another application he had made sis on science and only a limited for a job in Kenya. He chose the degree of exploration that he found Antarctic, and has now written a at the New Zealand base. By what most entertaining and at the same he has left unsaid rather than bv time a very searching book on his words it appears he was somewhat experiences in the far south. critical of the administration of the base, but some pointers come A veritable greenhorn, he had to through in his text. learn doe-sledging the hard way, for though Hope Bay in Graham Land He conceived the idea of making is fairly far north in the Antarctic, a sledge journey, using dog-teams, conditions were often difficult and to the South Pole to commemorate dangerous. From the beginning the 50th anniversary of Amundsen's Herbert had a fine feeling for the and Scott's journey there. His per Antarctic and its history, and took sistent efforts to obtain approval everv opportunity of learning as met with ultimate rejection because much as he could, and of visiting the of the difficulties such a venture old buts, such as that of Norden- would have placed on rescue parties skjold. in the event of any mishap. Then, He enjoyed dog-sledging and ex with three others he carried out an ploring, for he was cast in the mould excellent piece of surveying between of his heroes, the veterans of the the Beardmore and the Axel Hei- early sledging days, particularly berg Glaciers, mapping an area of Scott and Shackleton. As his skill 22,000 square miles. Herbert scorned bebind a dog-team increased so did the idea of tamely returning across his desire to travel more widelv. the polar plateau to be picked up and tbe climax of his first spell of at his starting point, and sought two and a half years in the south permisison to descend the Axel Hei- was an exciting major journey with berg Glacier, retracing the steps of three others down the spine of the Amundsen. Finally approval was ANTARCTIC March, 1969

granted, and the team made an Jim Wilson, an old Antarctic hand, adventurous descent after first is also a dedicated mountaineer and spending 17 hours on the first ascent scholar and now has proved himself of the 13,330 Mount Fridtjof Nansen. a first-class author. This journey down the glacier added io his regard for Amundsen as a In "Aorangi" he has a subject very daring and efficient explorer. dear to him, and has made the most of it, going back to the beginning Herbert is an artist as is shown both in geological time and in the not only by the excellent sketches Maori legends of the growth of New which adorn his book, but also bv Zealand's foremost mountain, and his choice of words. His ability to then tracing the history of Mount clearly express himself is vastly Cook through all the various ex superior to most of those who have plorers and mountaineers down to written books of this type on their the present day. experiences in the Antarctic, and this makes it a joy to read. Tragedy and success are well por With his sensitive and artistic ap trayed and throughout the reader's proach he gives an insight into many attention is held by the many thrill facets of Antarctic living which are ing stories of climbs, of triumphs nther slurred over by others, or pos and near-triumphs when a sudden storm or the onset of nightfall has sibly not even perceived. robbed climbers of the summit. This first-rate book, a classic of Early climbs on the mountain are its kind, is well illustrated both in fully detailed and give a valuable colour and black and wbite photo record of alpine history. The guides graphs, and contains, in an end- are given full credit for the part pocket, a splendid map covering the they have played in making many Queen Maud Range and the Axel of the ascents possible, and the Heiberg Glacier region. women, too, are given full regard for their many sterling climbs. Having said this, I must, however, point out that it is obvious from his own account that he was not the combeSplendidly and Tombs, produced magnificently by Whit- easiest of expedition members to get illustrated both in colour and black along with. It also appears that, and white, and well written, I feel when he arrived at Scott Base and that this book will be a landmark summed up his fellow-members he in alpine literature, and it sets a had forgotten his own early days at standard which will be hard to Hope Bay, and how inexperienced match. he was compared to the old-timers. Most of the sledgers chosen by the The greater pity, therefore, that New Zealanders have had a good the associations of Mount Cook and training on mountains, something the Hermitage with Antarctic ex which he himself lacked when he ploration has not been more fully first started south. covered. Both Admiral Byrd's hus kies, and those of the New Zealand Party of the Trans-Antarctic were A.S.H. stationed in this region, and Sir Edmund Hillary's Party all did their training on the Tasman Glacier. There are many stories in connec tion with these events which would AORANGI: THE STORY OF have added to the wide-ranging pic ture of this interesting region. MOUNT COOK It is surprising how many men By Jim Wilson. Published by Whit- associated with Mount Cook have combe and Tombs Ltd., Christ served also in Antarctic Expeditions. church, 1968. 245 pages, colour and Names which come readily to mind black and white illustrations, maps are: J. R. Dennistoun, Sir Edmund and figures. New Zealand Price: Hillary, Harry Ayres, Murray Doug $3.85. las, George Lowe, Norman "Hardie, March, 1969 ANTARCTIC

Brian Hearfield, Bernie Gunn, Neil Geological Investigations by the Hamilton, Guy Mannering, and there Australian National Antarctic are many others. Research Expeditions, 1965 The first Antarctic man to climb Mount Cook appears to have been By D. S. Trail, I. R. McLeod, P. J. the Norwegian ski-expert with Cook, and G. R. Wallis. Series A Scott's last expedition, Trggve Gran, (III) Geology. Publication No. 100, who climbed with Peter Graham 1967. 48 pp. Tables, figures, plates. and Charles Milne on March 1, 1913. I would have liked to have read In 1965 ANARE was able to char more about this climb, which is ter a second ship for three months very briefly recorded. for its logistic work, and this en abled an intensive geological field But these are only small criti operation to be planned, using sev cisms, and the book generally is eral geologists and surveyors, and first-rate, and can be recommended helicopter transport. The ship's to all those who are interested in prime function was to relieve Maw mountains and adventure. son and Davis but there was five weeks of field work. The main work was collecting specimens for isotopic measurement and palaeomagnetic ANARE SCIENTIFIC REPORTS work, and collection of sea-floor sediment samples. To do this work Over the years, since its establish the four authors of this Report were ment, ANARE has published many seconded to ANARE from the Aus reports dealing with the work car tralian Bureau of Mineral Resources. ried out by its scientists and field parties. Reports are now published Unfortunately, a Beaver aircraft, in three categories: ANARE Scien which was to have been used for tific Reports, ANARE Interim Re transport, broke through the sea ice ports, and ANARE Data Reports. while taking off soon after work be gan, and was unusable thereafter. In general, it is the policy of the This greatly affected the amount of Division to publish in the regular work which could be accomplished. scientific journals all articles suit able for such media. The ANARE Scientific Reports provide a medium for publication of comprehensive works and for specialised studies MASS ECONOMY OF ANTARC not catered for by appropriate TICA: MEASUREMENTS AT journals. The ANARE Interim Re MAWSON, 1957 ports cater for scientific and techni cal articles, descriptions of instru By M. Mellor. Series A (IV) Glacio- ments, etc., which because of the logy. Publication No. 97, 1967. preliminary nature of the work or 102 pp. Figures, maps, plates. for other reasons, are likely to be of relatively lower long-term im The investigations which have portance. The ANARE Data Reports gradually revealed to us the nature contain numerical or graphical data and workings of the great ice cap with only very limited discussion. of Antarctica were initiated by ex plorers of the nineteenth century Mr. M. R. O. Millett, ANARE Pub who determined the broad outline lications Officer, is the present of the continent. At the beginning Editor. of the present century the first land- based expeditions enabled scientists Six valuable ANARE Scientific Re to describe tbe glacial processes and ports have recently been published, even undertake some measurements. and these are reviewed hereunder. Since then ever-increasing interest Altbough three of these bear a 1967 bas been taken in glaciological date-line, they all appeared only last studies. year. They have been issued by the Antarctic Division, Department of Malcolm Mellor was the first pro External Affairs, Melbourne. fessional glaciologist appointed by ANTARCTIC March, 1969

the Antarctic Division, and created the field and to locate type speci the Australian glaciological research mens and other material for future programme for the IGY. The results taxonomic reference. There are also of his measurements at Mawson notes on the nature of the habitats over the IGY are presented and of species, on the species' known analysed to give the first detailed geographical occurrence on Mac mass estimate of the mass budget quarie Island and in other parts of of this region of Antarctica. By the world, and observations on their incorporating the data for other seasonal distribulion- regions, an estimate of the mass budget of the whole Antarctic ice cap is made, based on data available in 1959. "THE HEAT BUDGET & HEAT A brief survey of the psysiography TRANSFER PROCESSES IN and climate of the Mawson region ANTARCTIC PLATEAU ICE is presented. Several years of abla AND SEA ICE" tion measurements indicate that the annual loss is far greater at the By G. E. Welter. Series A (IV) coast than 20 km inland. Summer Glaciology, Publication No. 102, melting accounts for most of tbe 1968. 155 pp. Illus., diagrs., tables. annual ablation but there is loss from ice evaporation all through the The conventional meteorological year. heat budget is examined at two Stake readings and pit studies types of widely represented Ant gave snow accumulation data to 650 arctic ice surfaces: blue ice in the km inland, while the rate of ice flow coastal ablation zone and annual was measured at the coastal cliffs floating sea ice. near Mawson, as well as 20 km in Short-wave radiation transmission land, and at several individual gla in the ice, and the effect of absorbed ciers along the coast. solar radiation on the thermal diffu sion process, are examined in detail. From an examination of photo While monthly components of the graphs of the ice cap coastline near heat budget of the sea surface are tfawson and other parts of Ant presented for five months, those for arctica, taken at different times, it the blue ice plateau surface are is concluded that there has been given for twelve months. The stud negligible net changes in the ice ies were carried out near Mawson margins over the last 20 years, and Station. probably over a much longer period.

A STUDY OF THE LOCAL ICE THE TERRESTRIAL ARTHRO- CAP NEAR WILKES, ANT PODA OF MACQUARIE ARCTICA ISLAND By W. A. McLaren. Series A (IV) By K. C. Watson. Series B (1) Zoo Glaciology, Publication No. 103, logy, Publication No. 99, 1967. 90 1968. 82 "pp. Map, plates, figures. pp. Plates, maps. During the ANARE field work at Mr. Watson spent a year on Mac Wilkes early in the 1960's it was quarie Island with ANARE, and dur found that the local ice cap near ing that time made a field study of Wilkes Station was in the form of a the terrestrial arthopoda and col dome rising about 1400 metres in the lected 2,000 specimens. centre and with a radius of about The paper covers free-living spec 100 km. As such, it acted as an independent ice cap joined to the ies of insects, spiders, mites and main Antarctic ice cap through the tardigrades. The collection includes Totten-Vanderford glacier trench 65 new, or probably new, species. into which both glaciers flow. This Particulars are given to facilitate local ice cap is in the medium-scale the recognition of each species in range of ice caps, and consequently March, 1969 ANTARCTIC

>rovided an ideal model for stuc I the dynamics of ice masses. Mawson, as elsewhere in the Ant The Wilkes ice cap project is a arctic, the radiation balance of the long-term programme over many, ice surface is negative for the many years designed to carry out greater part of the year. In summer, specific measurements. The work the radiation balance remains nega is being performed by one glacio- tive up to a solar altitude of 17 logist at Wilkes each year, with degrees on clear days. logistic support making traverses in Finally, the amount of radiation autumn, spring and summer of each absorbed by the ice was computed year since 1964. In some years extra and the importance of radiation in support has been provided by a sur the total energy exchange through veyor and a geophysicist. The first an ice surface indicated. part of the project was begun in 1964 with the location of the Wilkes Ice Dome centre, and measurements of accumulation, elevation, and INTERNATIONAL CYCLING gravity around the northern tri angle. The second phase consisted New Zealand has won its first of two tellurometer traverses around international cycling race in the the triangle by W. A. McLaren in Antarctic. 1965, and the establishment of a During the last week of February system of strain grids. The second American and New Zealand cyclists traverse resurvey by McLaren ob pedalled oif on the three-mile track tained the first movement and strain between McMurdo and Scott Base. measurements over the region. His On cycles donated by a Christ report contains the analyses of the church 'firm, and in a daunting five work to this stage. degrees fahrenheit, the competitors pushed and rode their machines over the steep- snow-covered hill track which separated the two bases. The result: Scott Base, 1; U.S.- C.G.C. Burton Island, 2; H.M.N.Z.S. RADIATION FLUXES OVER AN Endeavour, 3. ANTARCTIC ICE SURFACE, In a signal to the New Zealand MAWSON, 1961-62 Navy Office in Wellington, the "En deavour" participants explained that By G. E. Weller. Series A (IV) their failure in the event was due to Glaciology, Publication No. 96. 106 "mechanical trouble." pp, Figures. The different radiation fluxes to and from the earth's surface are SNARES ISLAND amongst the most important terms in the heat economy of the earth as EXPEDITION a whole and of any individual place The Snares Island Expedition re at the earth's surface or in the turned safely to New 7r»nlnnd m atmosphere. These fluxes consist mid-March after an exi basically of the extra-territorial radiation emitted by the sun, and on the lonely island, ( the temperature radiation of the 70 mile-an-houi their tents. 1 atmosphere and of the earth's prevented HMh- surface. the party off at first and on the The solar radiation fluxes over an second attempt conditions were still Antarctic ice surface were measured poor. Sailors and expedition mem for two years and the radiation bers worked up to their waists in spectrum was analysed by dividing freezing surf and strong winds to it into the usual short-wave and load research gear into the ship's long-wave regions. Both downward- boats. It is hoped to report fully and-upward-directed fluxes were con on the expedition's work in the next sidered separately. issue of "Antarctic." ANTARCTIC March, 1969

OBITUARY: DR. PAUL A. SIPLE

A noticeable gap in Antarctic many scientific papers, popular planning personnel has been left by articles and four books, the last one the death last November of Dr. Paul "90° South," an account of his I.G.Y. A. Siple, who has been associated experiences. He was the first presi actively with the Antarctic for some dent of the American Polar Society 40 years. and past president of both the Asso ciation of American Geographers Beginning his polar career at the and the Antarctican Society. Many age of 19 as a member of the First awards had been granted Dr. Siple, Byrd Expedition to the Antarctic, as a Boy Scout representative, in 1917, including seven honorary doctor ates, the Army's Distinguished Civi Dr. Siple joined the second Byrd lian Service Award, and the League Expedition as chief biologist in 1933, after graduating with a B.S. degree of Merit. in 1932. A Ph.D. in Geography fol lowed his second trip soutb, and that in turn led to a further visit to the Antarctic, in 1939-41 with the U.S. Antarctic Service Expedition. During this time he served as ACCIDENTAL DEATH OF leader of West Base (Little America III) and was the expedition's senior SAILOR geographer, technical supervisor of equipment and navigator on ex A "Thala Dan" crewman was ploratory flights from West Base. accidentally killed while preparing In 1942 he was commissioned in the a lifeboat for an emergency prac Quartermaster Corps, from which tice. he was discharged in 1946 as a lieu tenant colonel. The accident occurred on the morning of January 27, when the Dr. Siple's fourth trip to the Ant ship was 60 miles north-west of arctic was in 194647 as senior Army Wilkes Station and had stopped to observer with the Navy's Operation wait for the ice to slacken. The Highjump. weather was calm, with slight snow, and lifeboat practice was scheduled for the afternoon. Ronald Hans Alfred Ronnholm, of Slagelse, Den mark, aged 20, who had served three for I.G.Y. and took part in "Tars at sea, removed the tarpaulin Freeze I (1956-57). The foil, overs of the lifeboat's winches, and year he again returned to th< lade the painters ready for prac arctic, for the sixth time, to *» tice. Then, according to the loa, in the implementation of I inholm removed davit lashings by supervising the construe ■. „,, cuiu undid the release gear for the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, boat hook on his own initiative. where he spent the winter of 1957 as Later the lifeboat fell to the ice, its first scientific leader. taking the sailor with it. From 1962-66 Dr. Siple served as A passenger, Alan Brown, ran off science attache with the U.S. Em the ship and pulled the unconscious bassy in Canberra, his responsibili man from a water-filled hole, broken ties extending to New Zealand, and into the ice when the lifeboat fell. it was while he was serving in this Brown said that Ronnholm stopped position that he suffered a partially breathing less than a minute later. disabling stroke. After an enquiry a Melbourne Further to all his other activities, Coroner later found that death was Dr. Siple was also the author of accidental. AUSTRALIA Winter and Summer bases Scott- i f ^ r 0 N S u m m e r b a s e o n l y t H a l l e t r NEW ZEALAND Transferred base Wilkes US tnAust TASMANIA Temporarily non-operational KSyowi

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