THE PUBLICATION OF THE NEW ZEALAND ANTARCTIC SOCIETY Vol 33, No. 1, 2015 33, No. Vol
RRP $15.95 Vol 33, No. 1, 2015 Issue 231 Contents www.antarctic.org.nz
is published quarterly by the New Zealand Antarctic Society Inc. ISSN 0003-5327 The New Zealand Antarctic Society is a Registered Charity CC27118
DESIGN: Gusto Design PO Box 11994, Manners Street, Wellington Tel (04) 499 9150, Fax (04) 499 9140 Email: [email protected]
GUEST EDITOR: Lester Chaplow New Zealand Antarctic Society PO Box 404, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand Email: [email protected]
INDEXER: Mike Wing PRINTED BY: Format Print, Wellington 4 This publication is printed using vegetable- based inks onto Sumo Matt, which is a stock sourced from sustainable forests with FSC News 1 (Forest Stewardship Council) and ISO accreditations. Antarctic is distributed in Exceptional Science and Relationships in Antarctica 2 flow biowrap. Exploring the work of Antarctic Treaty national Antarctic programmes 4 Patron of the New Zealand Antarctic Society: Professor Peter Barrett, 2008 Letters 6 Immediate Past-Patron: Sir Edmund Hillary
NEW ZEALAND ANTARCTIC SOCIETY Three Icy Incidents 8 LIFE MEMBERS The Society recognises with life membership, Obituary – Dr Bernard Stonehouse 10 those people who excel in furthering the aims and objectives of the Society or who Book Review: The Daily Journal of an Antarctic Explorer 12 have given outstanding service in Antarctica. They are elected by vote at the Annual General Meeting and are restricted to 15 life members at any time. Current Life Members by the year elected: 1. Jim Lowery (Wellington), 1982 2. Robin Ormerod (Wellington), 1996 3. Baden Norris (Canterbury), 2003 4. Bill Cranfield (Canterbury), 2003 5. Randal Heke (Wellington), 2003 6. Bill Hopper (Wellington), 2004 7. Malcolm Laird (Canterbury), 2006 8. Arnold Heine (Wellington), 2006 9. Margaret Bradshaw (Canterbury), 2006 8 10. Ray Dibble (Wellington), 2008 11. Norman Hardie (Canterbury), 2008 Cover photo: ©Antarctica New Zealand Pictorial Collection, Photographer Natalie Fowlie, K230-1415-A 12. Colin Monteath (Canterbury), 2014 Photo top: Mawson. Photo ©Chris Wilson/Australian Antarctic Division 13. John Parsloe (Canterbury), 2014 Photo above: Neumeyer Channel, Antarctic Peninsula. Photo courtesy of Colin Monteath/ Hedgehoghouse.com Back cover: Allardyce Range summits, entrance to Cumberland Bay, Grytviken, South Georgia, Antarctica. Photo courtesy of Colin Monteath/Hedgehoghouse.com
Issue 231 NEWS
Vacancy: Editor – Antarctic Antarctic is the flagship publication of The New Zealand Antarctic Society, and is currently published four times a year, to a worldwide readership.
Our publication is looking for a new editor. Some writing is required, and as Editor you would be responsible for gathering or commissioning articles An ability to develop the magazine’s “online presence” is from contributors, preparing them for publication important. Knowledge of Antarctica and wide contacts/ and liaising with the magazine’s designers. networks within the Antarctic community both in New Zealand and Overseas would be useful. This is an unpaid position.
Expressions of interest are requested to the Society’s President [email protected].
In previous issues in 2001– objects of the Society. The number 2006, Antarctic ran a series of of Life Members is limited to 15 at articles on National Antarctic any one time. A list of the current Bases. A new regular article Life Members and the dates they for Antarctic re-commences in were appointed is inside the front this issue, and will feature, in cover. An obituary for another random order, one of the national Life Member, John Claydon, Antarctic programmes from the will appear in the next issue. The Society’s website has 29 Consultative State countries. The Editor of Antarctic recently added Antarctic News National Antarctic programmes welcomes articles from any person Bulletins from August 1950 to are the government organisations on any subject related to the December 1955. These were which are responsible for delivering Antarctic, the Southern Ocean or issued prior to the commencement their countries’ Antarctic research Sub-Antarctic regions. Articles may of Antarctic, which started programmes. be submitted at any time to the with Volume 1, Number 1 in As well, this issue has articles Editor at [email protected]. March 1956, edited by Mr L B about Exceptional Science, Three The Editor reserves the right to Quartermain. These and other Icy Incidents, a Book Review of decline to publish an article for any back issues of Antarctic are Guyon, and an Obituary noting reason whatsoever. Note that all available at www.antarctic.org. the passing of the Society’s longest- articles will be subject to editorial nz/pastissues.html, or from the serving Life Member, Bernard review before publishing. Please home page. These articles are fully Stonehouse, appointed a Life see our advice to contributors searchable, and have been indexed Member of the Society in 1966. and guidelines for authors at to 2011, with the remaining On the recommendation of www.antarctic.org.nz/pages/ issues, and the earlier Bulletins Council, and agreement of journal.html. The deadlines for currently being indexed. members at an annual general submissions to future issues is meeting, life membership to 1 May, 1 August, 1 November and the Society can be awarded to 1 February. any member in recognition of Advertising, including inserts, outstanding service in Antarctica is also welcome. Please contact the or in furthering the aims and Editor for rates and bookings.
Vol 33, No. 1, 2015 1 SCIENCE
Exceptional Science and Relationships in Antarctica
By Jeanine Begg
2 Issue 231 SCIENCE
ew Zealand is a leader in Antarctic science and operations. We know that ‘making sense’ of our N changing environment and the impacts of human interaction are vital to New Zealand and Antarctica’s future. These changes will likely affect fish stocks, hydro- lake capacity, sea levels and weather patterns. As a nation we have a direct interest in peace and stability in the Antarctic region including the seas that surround it. Antarctica New Zealand is proud to partner ©Photo by NZDF, CPL Hanson, AC Joel Goodman pictured, 2014–15 with incredibly talented people and organisations to support these efforts on ice – a presence which spans 60 years. supported through Scott Base, and resources must be In the last edition of Antarctic Magazine, Antarctica juggled to ensure that all funded science projects are New Zealand covered off what it takes to deliver high adequately supported. quality logistics support to world-class science events in Antarctica. This edition looks at the same planning process, Antarctica New Zealand salutes NZDF but through the eyes of one of New Zealand’s top scientists, The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has been Dr Regina Eisert. We also look at our very important supporting Antarctica New Zealand in safeguarding partnership with the New Zealand Defence Force, and how Antarctica’s pristine environment for more than 50 years. their support has enabled another successful ship offload. With around 220 Defence personnel directly supporting Antarctic missions each year, ‘Operation Antarctica’ is A word from a Scientist, Dr Regina Eisert currently NZDF’s largest offshore deployment. Dr Regina Eisert has been working with charismatic A core team of eight personnel plus one Senior National megafauna in Antarctica for six seasons. During 2013/14 Officer form the Scott Base Support Team, providing Regina and her team caught 13 adult toothfish weighing communications, liaison and administrative support. on average, more than 30kg, and recorded never-seen- They are the link to the outside world by answering calls, before footage of toothfish in their natural habitat. providing news and weather updates, and monitoring They recaptured six out of eight Weddell seals from a scientists in the field. previous seasons study, collected 33 dart biopsies from Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) 40 Squadron killer and minke whales as well as thousands of images pilots and crew fly supplies and passengers between for photo identification. They even filmed a Weddell Christchurch and Antarctica, while their maintenance seal dismembering a toothfish right outside Scott Base, technicians supply technical skills and labour to the and managed to get the first ever skin swab samples from United States Air Force (USAF) Ski Hercules fleet as part Ross Sea Killer whales using a pot scrubber on a pole. of New Zealand’s contribution to the joint logistics pool. Wow! This research directly informs our management plan The NZDF mission peaks during January with the for the protection of Antarctic marine living resources. annual supply ship offload. This year, NZDF contributed Regina explains how she achieves this: Getting to 53 personnel in support of the ship offload – the biggest Antarctica to complete scientific research involves plenty surge of military personnel in the NZDF calendar. of planning. I need four things: funding, people, permits, The contingent contains stevedores, riggers, general and logistics support. While the first three can be achieved assistants and drivers who work around the clock shifts with a little effort and patience, the fourth is priceless – no to ensure the timely success of the ship offload and reload. science happens in Antarctica without programme and Scott Base took ownership of 31 crates, which included logistics support. Access to Antarctica is one of the few a much anticipated excavator, Land Cruiser and two privileges money can’t buy, and I feel very fortunate to work Hagglünds. Stores of food and supplies were replenished there. Having Antarctica on your doorstep is something with two crates dedicated to tools and construction supplies scientists elsewhere in the world can only dream of. for the Hillary Field Centre (HFC) upgrade. Before going to Antarctica, we put together an The HFC project will see the centre transformed into experimental design: What science will we do and how? a modern research and scientific facility. NZDF have A logistics plan, a great team, specialist science equipment, contributed four members of their light engineering team to and the ability to ship all the gear to Scott Base. support the upgrade before the end of the summer season. The central component of every expedition or ‘event’ Antarctica New Zealand staff will take on the remainder is the logistics plan, developed in close consultation with of the project during the winter for completion by the next Antarctica New Zealand. This event was one of many summer season.
Photo left: Skidoo from outer space. ©Antarctica New Zealand Pictorial Collection, 2013–14 Vol 33, No. 1, 2015 3 INTERNATIONAL
Exploring the work of Antarctic Treaty national Antarctic programmes: The National Antarctic Programme of Australia
The National Antarctic Programme of Australia advances Australia’s strategic, scientific, environmental The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) is the and economic interests in Antarctica and the Southern government organisation responsible for leading and Ocean by protecting, administering and researching the delivering Australia’s Antarctic programme. Australia region. Australia actively participates in the Antarctic has established and maintains three year-round Antarctic Treaty System to promote Australia’s Antarctic interests stations on the coast of Wilkes Land, East Antarctica, and to manage and protect the Antarctic environment. and one sub-Antarctic station on Macquarie Island. The current Chair of the Antarctic Treaty’s Committee for Australia’s first station was established in 1954, and is Environmental Protection (CEP) is from the AAD. named Mawson Station, after Sir Douglas Mawson. This was followed by Davis Station in 1957 and Casey The Australian Antarctic research programme Station in 1969. The AAD also administers the Territory The Australian Antarctic science programme is directed of Heard Island and McDonald Islands and manages by the Australian Antarctic Science Strategic Plan 2011–12 Mawson’s Huts in Commonwealth Bay. Other seasonal to 2020–21, approved by the Australian Government in facilities on the continent that Australia manages are Cape 2010. This plan focusses on four major themes: Climate Denison, Edgeworth David Base, Wilkins Aerodrome, Processes and Change; Terrestrial and Nearshore Beaver Lake and other huts and refuges. Along with Ecosystems – Environmental Change and Conservation; Romania, Australia also jointly manages the Law Racovita Southern Ocean Ecosystems – Environmental Change Negoita Base in the Larsemann Hills area of Antarctica. and Conservation; and Frontier Science. The Australian The Australian icebreaker RSV Aurora Australis resupplies Antarctic Division works closely with other national the stations and conducts research in the Southern Ocean. Antarctic programmes in logistics and science. Scientists Since 2004, flights have also run between Hobart, Tasmania from 22 countries and 97 institutions are currently taking and Antarctica. Smaller aircraft and helicopters are used for part in the Australian Antarctic Science programme, along intracontinental shuttling to other stations and field camps. with around 150 higher degree students. The Australian Antarctic research programme The organisational structure of the Australian addresses critical issues such as climate change, the human Antarctic Division footprint on Antarctica and the increasing demands for The Australian Antarctic Division is located in food, energy and security caused by human population Kingston, Tasmania. Almost 300 permanent staff growth. The diverse programme covers physical and life are employed, including support staff, summer and sciences in the atmospheric, terrestrial and marine domains, wintering expeditioners, and scientists. The AAD is an as well as human biology and medical research. It is also agency under the Department of the Environment of the responsible for a broad suite of ongoing observational Australian Government. This Department is responsible activities, including a network of meteorological facilities; for implementing the Australian Government’s policies ionospheric activity monitoring; seismic, magnetic and GPS to protect our environment and heritage, and to promote networks; and hydrographic and bathymetric mapping. a sustainable way of life. The AAD is run by the More information on Australia’s national Antarctic Director, who oversees the various branches and liaises programme can be found at www.antarctica.gov.au or with parliamentary and ministerial bodies. The AAD www.comnap.aq/Members.
4 Issue 231 INTERNATIONAL
Mawson. Photo ©Chris Wilson/Australian Antarctic Division
Checking fuel load on Bulk fuel tank prior to ship to shore refueling, Casey. Photo ©Todor Iolovski/Australian Antarctic Division
Ice core, Law Dome. Photo ©Joel Pedro /Australian Antarctic Division SAR training. Photo ©Todor Iolovski/Australian Antarctic Division
Retrieving CTD Marine Science SR3 Transect and Mertz Glacier voyage, Southern Ocean. Photo ©Rose Mawson. Photo ©Chris Wilson/Australian Antarctic Division Croasdale/Australian Antarctic Division
Vol 33, No. 1, 2015 5 LETTERS
economic/employment/regional-development/territorial sovereignty/environmental considerations. They integrate The Changing Face of themselves at the operational/technocratic level within the Antarctic Treaty system, assisting scientific and management projects and engaging in the processes of environmental The elements of the approach management. And of course, through being able to speak at the Re: “Changing Face of Non-State Actors in Antarctica Antarctic Treaty meetings, they can directly support/counter proposals and express their interests. These non-state actors within the Antarctic Treaty system, by Alan D. Hemmings, Gateway Antarctica, Christchurch, and Perth, Western Australia notwithstanding their still constrained formal status at the diplomatic meetings (only states participate in legal decision- From the International Geophysical Year and the commencement of the modern Antarctic era with making), have significant de facto participant rights and influence. In my view, IAATO has appreciably greater influence the 1959 Antarctic Treaty, governments were the dominant actors in Antarctica and in decision-making than a non-Consultative Party within the Antarctic Treaty system. Non-State Actors in Antarctica” taken by New Zealand and other about Antarctica. My sense is that it also has more influence than ASOC, and that this difference arises in part through the absence of the sort of presence in the Antarctic that we saw when the major ur thinking about Antarctic management, nationally fishing is sanctioned. Similarly, a tourism company needs to meet member of ASOC (Greenpeace) had a high profile presence there and internationally, is predicated on the assumption prior environmental impact assessment (EIA) obligations under (a station and annual ship activity). The peculiar situation of that the state, “the government”, remains the driver. the Madrid Protocol – and does so through its own government. O Sea Shepherd, as a group outside the ASOC coalition, Taking New Zealand as a generally applicable example: In short, for commercial activities, the state rides shotgun on the and targeting an activity outside formal Antarctic Treaty system the national Antarctic programme is led by a state entity private carriage. purview (i.e. whaling), means that their undoubted high activity (Antarctica New Zealand), which coordinates getting to/from Something similar happens in relation to a third category levels can’t generate comparable influence within the system (Antarctic Vol.32, Issue 229, states include: the place (collaborating with other New Zealand agencies of non-state actor operating in Antarctica: environmental (whatever their influence elsewhere). – such as the Royal New Zealand Air Force – and other non-governmental operators such as Greenpeace and Hitherto, a fourth activity area, bioprospecting, has generally governments (USA and Italy)), runs the facilities (Scott Base), Sea Shepherd. They too must meet the obligations of the been conducted as a part of, or adjunct to, national Antarctic contracts support staff, and manages the scientists. Madrid Protocol, and this often (always with Greenpeace) programme science. If and when it breaks out and becomes a The scientists are overwhelmingly drawn from universities means that some sort of EIA for their proposed Antarctic activity commercial activity in its own right, it will likely follow the or Crown Research Institutes funded by the state. is done through a state. Adding to the complexity here is that the non-state actor approach just outlined. Going to Antarctica is thus largely a state-controlled function. activity against which these e-NGOs are protesting is an activity A second sort of non-state actor has emerged in the past It is government agencies (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and not itself regulated by the Antarctic Treaty system – whaling. decade, with a disguised operational role in cases of emergency. Trade, Antarctica New Zealand, Department of Conservation, Notwithstanding the critical role the state plays in mediating Sept 2014) Whatever issues may arise in relation to some parts of the fishing (1) Denial of the use of our own etc.) that represent New Zealand at Antarctic meetings, and it between the aspirations of these actors and the international legal and tourism industries (e.g. ships under flags of convenience, is the Officials’ Antarctic Committee that advises government obligations of the Antarctic Treaty system, the state is plainly where the registering state is not itself a party to Antarctic on policy. Ministers make the final decisions. Even for those not the driver of the activity. Their engagement with Antarctica instruments), generally some form of responsibility is possible states that contract out parts of their Antarctic programme therefore represents something of a complication of the already through contractual relationships, or through the place where the to the private sector – as the US has historically done complex set of relationships there between states. activity is organized or whence it departs. At some point a real for support services – the state remains in the driver’s seat, These three non-state actors (fishing industry, tourism connection is generally found to an Antarctic Treaty Consultative through contractual and national legal arrangements. industry, e-NGOs) have also sought to engage with the formal Party (such as New Zealand). However, the complexities of the This picture has been complicated by commercial activities Antarctic governance structures. They have persuaded progressive international insurance and re-insurance market mean that in Antarctica – fishing and tourism – which are manifestly not states such as New Zealand to include representatives on the ports to known IUU vessels; in situations of misadventure, functional control of decisions planned, conducted or funded by the state. New Zealand has, national diplomatic delegations to Antarctic meetings; and they around a vessel may suddenly pass to an entity with no apparent like other Antarctic-active states, companies fishing or conducting have each gained independent “expert” status recognition for linkages. This has, as I understand it, happened in relation to both tourism in Antarctica. These activities, like those directly run their international umbrella group at the Antarctic meetings. “New Zealand and the shipping and aircraft in the Antarctic area following accidents. by the state, are subject to the obligations under the Antarctic Tourism companies are represented by the International Association Under these scenarios, at precisely the point where there may Treaty system, including various duties around environmental of Antarctica Tourism Operators (IAATO), fishing companies by be a risk to the Antarctic environment (as well, of course, as to protection under the Madrid Protocol, and these are managed the Coalition of Legal Toothfish Operators (COLTO), and e-NGOs human safety), the entity now in control of affairs may have no through the state. So, for a fishing company to catch fish in a by the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC). legal obligation whatsoever in relation to the Madrid Protocol. particular area, its government has to make the proposal through IAATO, COLTO and ASOC are players in the Antarctic We haveFlags also of theseen original the emergence12 Antarctic Treaty of logistics signatories carrier at the NSF services Chalet, McMurdo Station. the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living political arena. They operate at the political level through the (Photo courtesy of Alan. D. Hemmings.) (2) Inspection of vessels planning to New Zealand and – companies providing certain sorts of services on an essentially Resources, and must ensure reporting obligations are met if the usual routes: influencing national policy domestically, arguing ad hoc basis, whereby the responsibility for the vessel or aircraft involved may not be so predictable as in the conventional Antarctic Treaty System” the Antarctic Treaty System “tourism company X advertises holidays on cruise liner Y operated by international cruise company Z” model. Here, one might see a ship flagged anywhere contracted to deliver a particular service (say, establishing fuel caches for a state or By Alan D. Hemmings non-state operator). The corporations that play these roles do Images top to bottom: Gateway Antarctica, Christchurch, and Perth, Western Australia not themselves have a presence in the Antarctic Treaty system Map courtesy of Alan D. Hemmings and Tim Stephens leave our ports under duties and rights – they are not any sort of expert observer in their own right, Greenpeace’s Arctic Sunrise (Alan D. Hemmings) nor are they included in the delegations of their state or other Scott Base ven within the Antarctic community, how the Antarctic specialist agencies, NGOs and industry groups – although only Flags of the original 12 Antarctic Treaty signatories at NSF Chalet, (Antarctic Vol.32, Issue 230, Image courtesy of Alan D.is Hemmings regulated internationally generally remains something the top-tier states (Consultative Parties at the ATCM, Commission actor (IAATO, say). There is no guarantee that their “parent” McMurdo Station (Alan D. Hemmings) Eof a mystery. Yet, all the really big decisions around the Members at CCAMLR) take part in decision-making. future of Antarctica have been, and are, arrived at through A New Zealand national delegation to an ATCM is normally 30 international negotiation. So, we have collectively had to agree 9–12 people, led by MFAT and involving staffIssue from 229 that Ministry, Vol 32, No. 3, 2014 31 about demilitarisation, mining, fishing, containing positions on DoC, Antarctica New Zealand and other agencies as required, Other sorts of papers (the majority) generally receive kind in Wellington, or a scientific or policy debate at one of our sovereignty, and so on. Often these are vexed issues. Right now plus an environmental NGO representative. The delegation to ANT140801-Antarctic-Vol32-No3-Issue229-Sept-2014-FA.indd 30 3/09/14 10:53 am ANT140801-Antarctic-Vol32-No3-Issue229-Sept-2014-FA.inddmention in the meeting’s Final 31 Report and that’s as far as it goes; universities, or an NGO or industry consultation,3/09/14 through 10:53 amto we are faced with some difficulties in reaching agreement on the CCAMLR has recently been a little larger (say 15), reflecting known as port state jurisdiction; sometimes they engender further discussion over succeeding designation of large parts of the Ross Sea as a Marine Protected the effort around the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area proposal. even tabling at an Antarctic Treaty System meeting. meetings, before finally (but not always) leading to some sort of Area, an idea which many of us believe has great merit and is As you would expect, other agencies (now often from within Secondly, an appreciation that most successful developments Dec 2014) agreement. Occasionally, the issue raised by the paper is reflected long overdue. the Ministry for Primary Industries) and the fishing industry are in Antarctic governance have taken years – and in some cases in an agreement to do something at the meeting where it was first My own Antarctic engagement started as a scientist, saw involved in the New Zealand CCAMLR delegation. Particularly as long as a decade – to come to fruition. I recall a meeting in tabled. But what that something is, may vary in its significance. me wintering in the Antarctic, and then attending Antarctic in relation to various scientific advisory groups of CCAMLR, Melbourne, where I was upbraided by a scientist because the issue At the soft end, the agreement may simply be an exhortation diplomatic conferences for more than twenty years, in the which operate between the meetings, a wider community of I was saying needed attention would, in his words “probably not from the meeting that something should be done – but with no course of which my research and writing shifted so that they are New Zealand scientists is involved. arise for five years!” The mismatch between meaningful time legal obligation to do anything; a sort of guidance, if you will. now exclusively around the politics, policy and international Both the ATCM and the CCAMLR meetings run to horizons in the scientific community and what may be required This may well be positive – guidance may do the trick, or be the to achieve a response in the policy sphere is a recurrent issue. (3) Monitoring of actual activity pre-agreed (and largely constant between years) agendas, and legal aspects of the Antarctic. Each year I provide a review of first stage in a progressive development eventually leading to the various agenda items are distributed across specialised Of course the reverse happens too: the scientific community says New Zealand in the Antarctic Treaty System for the New Zealand legal obligation. Much rarer is an agreement by the meeting that climate change needs urgent response; our politicians seem to Yearbook of International Law. In this much shorter article working groups. Neil Gilbert, whose article “Future-Proofing the is legally binding on the Parties. But this then has to be brought think it doesn’t. I will try to say something about how New Zealand, in practice, Antarctic Treaty System” appears in this number, was previously into legal effect in each of the states, before it enters into force engages in this Antarctic Treaty System, and the realities of the chair of one of these (the Committee for Environmental generally – and that may take a very long time indeed. As an And finally, perhaps, an understanding that whilst officials that engagement. Protection – CEP). example, we agreed on a liability agreement in 2005, and that and “the government” can indeed “fail” (and we should not be New Zealand may claim the Ross Dependency, but this claim The bread and butter of the actual discussions in the Plenary has still to enter into force. afraid to criticise these failures), it may be a tad unreasonable to (like those of Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, Norway and and working group discussions at the ATCM and CCAMLR So, what are the take-home lessons for the majority of always expect success. Not every failure to progress a wonderful the United Kingdom) is not recognised by most of the world’s meetings are the diplomatic papers tabled by states and the Antarctic-engaged people who are not policy-wonks or attendees idea in the Antarctic is necessarily entirely the fault of one’s own in Antarctic waters (through 193 states, even within the Antarctic “club”. So, even in the various other bodies. At the ATCM we are talking about at diplomatic meetings? government and officials. If other states won’t agree, one is Ross Dependency, getting anything done (at least if you expect 200-plus papers; at CCAMLR perhaps half this number (but Firstly, I suggest, a recognition of the very considerable jiggered, as the saying goes. Until next year, or however long others to follow) requires collective agreement. The Antarctic others, particularly technical and scientific papers, appear amount of work that is going to be involved in taking a good it takes. The need for persistence is perhaps the enduring take- Treaty System is the group of international treaties that start between the meetings). This is a massive body of work, idea from an inter-departmental or public-consultation meeting home lesson. with the 1959 Antarctic Treaty. Subsequently we agreed completed at home well before the meetings. New Zealand a seals convention (but there is now no sealing), a marine living annually submits a dozen-plus papers to the ATCM and resources convention (which regulates fishing and the marine around a dozen to CCAMLR. These range from proposals for environment) and the Madrid Protocol (which establishes New Zealand to fish for toothfish in the Ross Sea, through proposals environmental obligations over the continent and parts of the for protected areas designation, updating management plans for intelligence, use of military platforms marine environment). The minerals convention failed to enter protected areas, discussions of various environmental management into force and is dead. There are two annual Antarctic meetings: tools and approaches, tourism management – including search The Antarctic Treaty and Madrid Protocol are considered at the and rescue – scientific cooperation, etc. The papers are sorted Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM), which moves into various classes, and for critical issues are translated into around the membership – this year it was in Brasilia; the marine the other three Antarctic Treaty languages (French, Spanish and living resources convention (CCAMLR) is always held in Hobart. Russian) by the secretariats. Decisions at both annual meetings are reached by consensus, In the popular imagination perhaps, a good idea presented which is unanimity-lite. States don’t have to think a decision in a diplomatic paper is welcomed with acclaim, achieves such as the RNZAF’s Orions and is the best outcome possible; they just have to find it not so consensus on its substantive proposals and is promptly converted bad that they cannot agree to it. But getting consensus amongst into some sort of agreement of the meeting. In practice, such is 29 states at the ATCM and 24 states and the EU at CCAMLR rarely the case, unless it relates to some of the standard operating is no mean task. procedures of the Antarctic Treaty System – such as protected These meetings attract several hundred delegates representing areas management plans or the assignment of annual fishing Scott Base from the road to McMurdo. (Photo courtesy of Alan D. Hemmings.) their states, and maybe half as many again representing various quotas to states.
Vol 32, No. 4, 2014 47 48 Issue 230 RNZN ships, and reporting from other vessels that may encounter IUU vessels); Andrew Leachman writes: the CCAMLR area 58.4.1 directly (4) Interdiction of IUU vessels where he articles “Changing Face of south of Tasmania. The IUU vessels a clear breach of international law TNon-State Actors in Antarctica” claimed to be registered in Equatorial is discovered; in issue 229, by Neil Gilbert, and the Guinea however this proved not to (5) Direct contact with the flag-state follow up article “New Zealand and the be the case. The United Nations Fish (the state where the vessel is presently Antarctic Treaty System” in issue 230 Stocks Agreement extends CCAMLR registered), including if necessary by Alan D. Hemmings has generated regulative responsibility for the waters diplomatic protest about a failure to wide ranging discussions amongst which surround Antarctica but unless ensure compliance; those of us who work in the maritime the fishing vessels are registered to (6) Looking for financial, commercial environment of the Antarctic. a CCAMLR member state, they are or legal linkages between the beneficial Dr Hemmings has extensive free to fish in what they believe to be owners of the vessel or operation in experience and legal knowledge international waters. a state or states where legal remedies of the governance of Antarctica. There appears to be a loop hole in the may be possible; I am interested to know what he can Maritime law. Would the declaration of (7) Ensuring adverse publicity around recommend to the Government, a Marine Protected Area as envisaged the actions of the particular vessel and to combat illegal tooth fishing within for the Ross Sea region, work for the owners so that any fish they seek to the CCAMLR zone. coastal area off King George V land? sell are in a sense ‘tainted’. New Zealand is the envy of most Would it be feasible for the CCAMLR There is no guarantee that maritime (fishing) nations, for we nations to declare a unilateral 200 particular activities will be penalised operate a successful ITQ (Individual mile limit around the entire coast of by these acts, singly or in combination, Transferable Quota) system. the Antarctic? but they often are effective. We manage and conserve our fish If IUU fishing activity is allowed to Realistically, as with any other case of stocks. As a member of CCAMLR, continue then CCAMLR is in danger breaches of law or social norms, there New Zealand provides scientific of becoming a failure, just like the is rarely a silver bullet sure to solve the advice to fisheries managers in Hobart. International Whaling Commission. problem. And, of course, doing any of We should be providing leadership this costs time and money. within that forum to protect and As Andrew notes, where a vessel’s conserve the stocks of Antarctic Dr Alan D. Hammings replies: master or owners say the vessel is Toothfish by combatting toothfish ndrew Leachman asks what registered may not be reliable. It is poaching. As a new member of the A the New Zealand Government now possible to change registrations United Nations Security Council other can do to combat IUU fishing within very easily and this is precisely nations look to us for leadership. the CCAMLR area. My sense is that what has happened with a number A recent Royal New Zealand Navy New Zealand is already one of the of rogue ships. But the ship’s shape patrol under the auspices of CCAMLR, more engaged Antarctic states on and operating characteristics are located and then observed three this matter, and thus the answer to less easily disguised, and modern IUU vessels fishing for toothfish in the question is “more of the same”. near instantaneous communication
6 Issue 231 LETTERS
means that vessels find it harder to sovereignty, and thus coastal the profile of the conservation and ‘disappear’ than in the past. state rights, asserted by the seven resource protection values of the area, Andrew asks whether either claimants (including New Zealand), but we are getting nowhere very fast a CCAMLR states’ assertion of a and they are unlikely to be very with this proposed designation, and 200 mile limit around Antarctica – keen on this approach. It would as accordingly one would be optimistic a collective Exclusive Economic Zone a formal step likely raise concerns to build any hopes on it as a tool any (EEZ) in effect, or the designation of not only outside the Antarctic time soon. the Ross Sea Marine Protected Area Treaty System about Antarctic states Both options suffer from the (MPA), would give us new tools to further appropriating Antarctica, same problem that we currently combat IUU activities. These are but internally even for non-claimants face, namely non-compliance. interesting proposals, but they present in relation to its consistency with If existing legal obligations are ignored their own challenges in turn. Article IV of the Antarctic Treaty. even when they manifestly apply to The collective EEZ approach, A discussion around such an approach the activities of particular vessels, whilst conceivable as a realisation would itself likely take some years, then we might fear that further of the de facto condominium under without certain outcome. obligations will also be ignored. which the Antarctic is managed, A Ross Sea MPA (like any others Which takes us back to the measures cuts across the claims to territorial elsewhere) would certainly raise we already have.
Re: “First-Women’s Club of Antarctica” Ranulph Fiennes gave her the credit (Antarctic Vol.32, Issue 230, Dec 2014) she really deserved in his book
Dorothy Braxton at Cape Hallett, 17 February 1968. (Photo courtesy of Barbara Braxton.) “To The Ends Of The Earth” which told The First-Women’s Club of Antarctica: Remembering Dorothy Braxton
By Lester Chaplow
hat do the following names have in common? Marie Darby had become the first New Zealand woman to go the story of the Transglobe Expedition Dorothy Braxton, Ingrid Christensen, to Antarctica, also on the Magga Dan. Dorothy Braxton told the WSophie Christensen, Marie Darby, Jennie Darlington, story of her Antarctic visit in her 1969 book, The Abominable Patricia Hepinstall, Lois Jones, Ruth Kelly, Kay Lindsay, Snow-Women. After a career in journalism, in her adopted Eileen McSaveney, Caroline Mikkelsen, Jean Pearson, country of Australia she was awarded the Centenary Medal and Lillemore Rachlew, Edith Ronne, Terry Tickhill, made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for services to Mathilde Wegger, Solveig Wideroe and Pamela Young. adult education. Dorothy Pearl Braxton died on 3 September They are all in the First-Women’s Club – first in Antarctica. 2014, aged 87. The Christensens (mother and daughter), Mikkelsen, Rachlew, Wegger and Wideroe were the first Norwegian women (1979–1982). She held that expedition References: in Antarctica, and probably the first women there ever; certainly the first identified women. They travelled with the Norwegian Blackadder, Jesse (2013). Chasing the light: A novel of whaling fleets of the 1930s, with Mikkelsen, in 1935, being the Antarctica. Sydney: HarperCollins Publishers. first woman known to actually go ashore in Antarctica, on Tryne Braxton, Dorothy (1969). The abominable snow-women. Island, and Ingrid Christensen the first to land on the Antarctic Wellington: A. H. & A. W. Reed. continent.1 Darlington and Ronne were the firstAmerican women, Darlington, Jennie (1956). My Antarctic honeymoon: and the first women to winter-over. They travelled south with the A year at the bottom of the world. New York: Doubleday. Ronne Expedition (1947). In 1957, Hepinstall and Kelly arrived Ferguson, Henry (1932). Harpoon. London: Jonathan Cape. New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage. together and kept them on track on the first commercial flight to Ross Island as stewardesses on a Pan Am plane – and became the first women to visit the Women in Antarctica.
1. Jesse Blackadder, in her 2013 book Chasing the light: A novel of Antarctica, makes passing reference to “Olga”, whose Antarctic adventure was recounted in the 1932 book Harpoon and who may have pre-dated the Norwegian women, but Blackadder doubts the story. 2. Pamela Young was also the first New Zealand woman to work in Antarctica, in 1969–70.
Vol 32, No. 4, 2014 51 and Arctic maintaining daily radio communication with the crossing party, the London office, et al. David Burke OAM writes: founded the Antarctic Wives Association o the list should be added of Australia. Ed.] Tthe names of the first women Any list is somewhat objective scientists to winter-over in Antarctica and limited in scope, but these are in 1974 at McMurdo. They were Sylvia Strang-Parsloe writes: important additions to a list of Dr Alice McWhinnie and Sister Mary irginia Fiennes received a Polar members of the First-Women’s Club of Odile Cahoon from DePaul University, VMedal personally from the Antarctica. We are glad that the story Chicago. They were engaged in Queen with its unique bars for both has stimulated discussion about early krill research. the Antarctic and the Arctic. Ginny women in Antarctica, and Antarctic Also Nel Law, the first Australian became the first woman to become a would welcome the submission of artist, and woman, to visit Antarctica member of the Antarctic Club, which articles on other worthy members of – to Mawson Base in 1961. [Nel later had previously been all male. “the club.” Ed.
Greenwich, England. The banjo was others who signed it – F W Edwards A question for readers: signed by many members of the party, and Ruby Page Le Brawn. Who were Hussey’s Banjo and a couple of others…. these last two, and is it possible that All of the officers except Hudson Ruby was an alias of Hudson or Crean? and Crean signed it, but none of the The catalogue entry for the banjo ussey’s Banjo is held by the ‘men’ (the catalogue suggests McIlroy can be found at: http://collections.rmg. H National Maritime Museum, is also missing.) Plus, there are two co.uk/collections/objects/6273.html
Vol 33, No. 1, 2015 7 PERSONAL NARRATIVE
When a vessel goes clockwise round the bay, a very sharp “left” has to be made at the end of the turn so that the vessel will be facing out through Neptune’s Bellows. This means putting the helm hard to port and using the two variable pitch propellers and bow thrusters to assist with the turn. However, on this occasion the order “Hard to starboard” was given, which meant we would continue on round towards Port Foster but would be put on a path to rocks on the far shore opposite Whaler’s Bay rather than head back to Neptune’s Bellows: a fraught situation. Three Icy Incidents Despite the obvious danger the helmsman did not challenge the by John Parsloe Master and did as he was ordered. The ship started to swing to starboard. We all know accidents are preventable. But will the International I shouted out, urgently, from the Maritime Organisation’s new Polar Code adequately allow for back of the wheelhouse where I was human frailties and cultural issues on even well-managed and observing, “Captain, hard to PORT!” “What? Jesus! Hard to port!” he well-run multinational-crewed polar vessels? Retired polar responded, putting both propellers to seafarer John Parsloe reflects on experiences he has witnessed. full astern positions. The Company’s Vice-President was on the bridge, with 1. Too Close for Comfort! or continue on into the larger Port other VIPs, and knew something was We were in deep trouble (or, Foster. Our vessel always turned amiss but wasn’t sure what it was. perhaps, “shallows” trouble): the ship round in Whaler’s Bay and then sailed I had come forward to be closer should have gone the other way round straight out again. to the Master. “We’re going to touch, in the caldera. In a larger vessel, to make the we’re going to hit,” he whispered We were cruising the islands of turn safely in Whaler’s Bay, you need to me as he changed pitches on the the Antarctic Peninsula and I had to go in an anticlockwise direction propellers to help swing the vessel been employed as Ice Master to assist round the bay. This means you will to port and seawards. The bow now with the safe navigation through be facing seawards through Neptune’s seemed to have arrived in the right these icy waters. Entering the gap Bellows when you complete the turn. position and to be pointing down the into the Deception Island caldera Ice Masters, because of their middle of Neptune’s Bellows. is always dramatic, especially for a knowledge and experience, discuss But not the stern: it was seriously large vessel of our size (20,000 tons). these issues with the Master of a vessel close to the rocks on the far shore. This narrow entrance, known as when planning such a call. But my role The Beach Master rushed in to the Neptune’s Bellows, has sheer cliffs on on these sidetrips is always a little Wheelhouse from the stern, where he your starboard side and a shoal patch unclear. Am I required or wanted on had been mingling with passengers to port that contains nasty Ravn Rock the bridge? Am I there as an advisor, watching proceedings: “Hey John, at its outer edge near the centre of the or as something else: Ice Pilot or what’s happening? I could see the rocks channel. There is little room for error Ice Master? on the sea bottom from down aft. – a vessel must be lined up correctly On this occasion, for some The stern’s awfully close to the shore.” to get through this entranceway safely. unknown reason, the Master decided The vessel slowly straightened Once inside the caldera there are to go the other way round: clockwise. and lined itself up with the channel two options: either turn round in It can be done this way in a large vessel, seawards, taking the stern away from the small bay immediately inside to but it is always challenging – especially the rocks and the shallow water near your right, known as Whaler’s Bay, if a wrong helm order is also given. the shore.
Photo above: Looking through Neptune’s Bellows into Port Foster and Whaler’s Bay, Deception Island. Photo: LPhot HMS Endurance Crown Copyright 2006.
8 Issue 231 PERSONAL NARRATIVETRIBUTE
We proceeded seawards, back went into hand-steering to check the water boundary. At the boundary, we out through Neptune’s Bellows and turn and bring the ship back onto were going to have to nudge some on to our next place of interest. For her correct new course. They did so. of the ice out of the way with our the Master, this was to be his last visit A close shave, or worse, was averted. bulbous bow as we passed through to Whaler’s Bay – on future voyages This Second Officer was relieved of it. The speed of the ship therefore had to Deception Island, the weather was his watch-keeping duties and was the to be kept down below six knots. never ever quite right, or we were too first down the gangway on arrival at The Captain wanted to go closer short of time for us to enter. Ushuaia, Argentina – his replacement, to the coast on our starboard side, the former Second Officer from where there was less ice and more 2. A Turn Too Far the recently sunken MV Explorer! open water. But I was concerned if We were turning out of the This fellow-countryman of the original we took that track we could easily get Gerlache Strait into Croker Passage Second Officer proved an intelligent ourselves moving even closer to the on our way from Paradise Harbour and able officer. shore while trying to avoid bigger ice to Half Moon Island. The afternoon bits, and end up running out of deep- 4-to-8 watch were in charge, driving 3. An Icy Challenge enough water or manoeuvring space! the ship. It was the perfect afternoon Neumayer Channel is an This issue was resolved for us. of a great day in Paradise. impressive stretch of water. When We heard a toot on a ship’s horn The vessel was surrounded by you fail to get through the shorter and and a small Russian ice-strengthened spectacular snow-capped island better-known Lemaire Channel, as passenger vessel came past inshore of peaks, while overhead was a beautiful had just happened to us on our vessel, us at great speed, in the less icy water blue sky. Around us was a slight sea it can be a very useful and beautiful the Captain had been considering! full of life. Here a humpback whale alternative passage to sail through. We had seen the vessel a little earlier would blow, and dive showing its tail. It is a narrow spectacular fjord, near Port Lockroy at anchor, so were There a pod of killer whales was on with glaciers tumbling directly surprised by its sudden reappearance. the prowl. Schools of penguins were into it from the surrounding steep At this point, the Captain lost the plot porpoising. Yes, idyllic conditions high mountains. Half way along its and wanted to hand over command for a late afternoon at sea among the 26 kilometre length there is an to me as he could not see my route islands of the Antarctic Peninsula. interesting ‘S’ bend. This is a spot through, although I had tried to show What better place for a photo of the where there is frequently a boundary and explain it to him – the moving scenery than from the bridge? between two different water masses. ice along both sides of the boundary I was off duty – I’d be coming back Ice from the surrounding glaciers gets face, going in opposite directions, was on watch again at 1800 for my all-night stuck there, or moves in different causing too much confusion. You had shift on the bridge as Ice Master. directions on opposite sides of the to concentrate. I remained calm and So, with my camera, I made my way to water boundary face. declined his suggestion – there were the bridge. The 4-to-8 watch’s Second This was the case today as we too many guests and senior staff Officer was in charge. As I arrived, approached this sharp and interesting watching on the bridge – and gave him he had just altered course using the corner: there were a lot of small bergy quiet advice on where to go and what automatic pilot but had not switched bits and other rubble from glaciers engine movements to make. on to its auto position; he wandered floating around us. The Captain We nudged slowly through the off to discuss cock fighting back home and I were both there on the bridge pieces of ice at the boundary and into with one of his seamen. Although such during this passage. The Captain the clearer water on the other side, fighting was by then illegal, he was a was in command doing the conning, before making the crucial turn to port breeder of such birds in his village. while I was there as his advisor. around the bend. The Russian vessel, He didn’t return to see how his He was finding it challenging to see a frisking like a pup, was now well alteration of course was proceeding. safe way through all the icy bits in the ahead of us at its faster speed in these The ship continued to turn to port, water and frequently referred to me iced waters. We, the older seadog, slowly – towards an icy beach on one for advice. From a passenger’s point followed comfortably, enjoying the of the nearby islands! I shouted out of view, it was all very exciting. wonderful scenery surrounding us. to him to check the ship’s turn. I was focused – very focused. However, there was one very- He and the seaman quickly returned I could see a safe way through in the much-relieved Captain when we from their banter at the far side of middle of the channel, even with the finally left the Channel and sailed out the wheelhouse and I suggested he moving ice along the far face of the into the wider Gerlache Strait.
Vol 33, No. 1, 2015 9 TRIBUTE
Obituary Dr Bernard Stonehouse
By Myra Walton
Dr Bernard Stonehouse was a remarkable man and truly a unique Ambassador of all things Antarctica, and today is generally credited as the true father of penguin biology.
e died in November 2014 after a distinguished Trophy. Many of our members also benefited from Bernard’s career as a Polar scientist, which spanned almost expertise as the decade-long editor of Polar Record, the H 70 years. His generosity held no boundaries. journal of the Scott Polar Research Institute, Cambridge. His life was an inspiration. His energy and humour were He is famously known for his study of King Penguins a magnetic influence to many scientists, ornithologists and and other Polar seabirds on South Georgia, Ascension friends from all walks of life. Island and was one of the very few to have spent three Bernard was a life member of the Society and was consecutive winters in the Antarctic. closely connected with our Canterbury Branch during the Bernard was born in Hull on May 1 1926. Joining 1960s and in 1979 he was awarded the NZAS Conservation the Fleet Air Arm in 1944, he trained as a pilot, and at
Photo above: Bernard Stonehouse. Photo courtesy of Colin Monteath/Hedgehoghouse.com.
10 Issue 231 TRIBUTE
the age of 20, he was seconded as a Naval Pilot to the of New Zealand’s Scott Base, Ross Dependency, continuing Falkland Islands Dependency Survey (FIDS), travelling to his work on Adelie penguins, Weddell seals, McCormick Stonington Island in the sealing ship Trepassey. He served skuas, Marine fish and invertebrates and fresh water as a meteorologist, dog sledger and ultimately a biologist. fauna in the McMurdo sound area, not to mention In his second year he took part in two long dog-sledge visiting the classic breeding area of the emperor penguin at journeys, under the direction of Vivian (later Sir Vivian) Cape Crozier. Fuchs, who had taken over command of the base. On the Professor Young was with Bernard in the 1960s and second of these journeys, to survey the coast of Adelaide remembers Bernard as an amazingly good writer. His desk Island to the north-west, the party covered a total distance was invariably filled with hand written notes on bits of of 500 miles. Stonehouse had a few unpleasant moments paper that was somehow incorporated into fluent text. when he and another companion broke through thin sea He had an enviable ability. The University and New Zealand ice with their sledge and were plunged into the icy water. suffered a great loss when he returned to England. In 1949 Stonehouse was one of the so-called “lost 11”, After retiring as editor of the Polar Record in 1992, the name given by the press to the men who had an enforced he retained his connection with the Institute as a senior winter at the Stonington base after a relief ship was prevented associate, forming its Polar Ecology and Management from reaching them by thick sea ice. For Stonehouse Group and heading a long-term study on the ecological and four others, it was their third consecutive winter in impact of polar tourism, during which he took advanced the Antarctic. students for five summer expeditions – to Cuverville and On a sledging trip across the sea ice in 1948, the Hannah Point. expedition made the exciting discovery of an emperor Antarctic tourism, he concluded, was broadly positive penguin “rookery” on the Dion Islands. The following if properly managed, in that it encourages a public interest winter, Stonehouse and two companions camped at the in polar conservation. “On the whole,” he observed, “the colony living in tents in temperatures as low as -40oC to tourists have done far less damage than some of the scientists study the penguins during the winter breeding season, who have had the run of the place since the 1950s.” about which very little was known at the time. He gained He published the first travel book to the area, Antarctica: valuable data on the breeding behaviour and embryology The Traveller’s Guide (1996); co-edited Prospects for Polar of the animals, observing their instinctive desire to hold Tourism (2007); and worked as a popular lecturer on board an egg, or indeed any object of similar size. At that time, tourist ships for more than 20 years. only two other such rookeries were known. His many publications include Wideawake Island: Professor Euan Young recalls that in Bernard’s The story of the BOU centenary expedition to Ascension acknowledgements to his 1953 FIDS report, he recorded (1960); Animals of the Antarctic (1972), Penguins and “his indebtedness to his two companions, who shared with Sea Mammals of the World (1985); and Antarctica and him uncomfortable, but enjoyable winter months under Global Climate Change (1991), edited with Colin Harris. canvas”. Camping under canvas, mid-winter? No one these In 1953 Stonehouse received the Polar Medal. He is days would even suggest such an event, or get approval also commemorated in Stonehouse Bay on the east coast for it. Nor would anyone ever suggest that it might of Adelaide Island (first surveyed in 1909 by a French be “enjoyable.” expedition and to which he led an FIDS sledge party to On one occasion when a Leica camera was found to resurvey in 1948) and by Mount Stonehouse, a peak in the be missing, the thief was spotted waddling away with a Transantarctic range. leather strap trailing between its feet. Stonehouse’s famous Professor Lloyd Davis from the University of Otago quote “I have often had the impression that to penguins, quotes: “Bernard was a great scientist and communicator man is just another penguin – different, less predictable, and an inspiration to me personally: he generously assisted occasionally violent, but tolerable company when he sits my own journey into the area of science communication still and minds his own business”. and I am reminded of his advice each and every day. In 1960 Bernard moved to New Zealand as a senior He has left this world a better place for penguins and people”. lecturer at the University of Canterbury Zoology Department Bernard Stonehouse: Born 1 May 1926, died 12 where he remained in until 1968. During this time he led November 2014. Survived by his wife Sally and their son students on expeditions over five summers working out and two daughters.
Vol 33, No. 1, 2015 11 BOOK REVIEW
The Daily Journal of an Antarctic Explorer 1956–1958 By Guyon Warren. Edited by Karen Warren Reviewed by Malcolm Laird
his book records the daily and Murray Douglas, mountain guide, routine of a geologist who, for ice and dog expert. Their expedition T his work in the Antarctic over would take four months of dog a period of 15 months, was awarded sledging in the largely unexplored the Polar Medal by the Queen. mountains of Victoria Land to the He was also awarded the Trans- west and NW of Scott Base. They Antarctic Expedition medal by the crossed McMurdo Sound, and then Royal Geographic Society. explored north up the coast, enjoying In 1956 the 23 year-old Guyon fresh seal meat on occasion, much The culmination was a wonderful Warren was one of the two geologists preferred to the disliked pemmican. session on the radio with fiancée Sally picked to join Sir Edmund Hilary’s Their geological achievements and with family. Christmas Day was Ross Sea Party, formed to assist the were many, but their greatest back to work, and in the early New British Trans-Antarctic Expedition in discoveries involved the Beacon Year they discovered more fish beds. attempting the first Antarctic crossing. Sandstone Formation. Guyon found By late January, the geology and Guyon set out in December for his and recorded the base of the Beacon surveying was essentially complete, great adventure in Antarctica. During Sandstone Formation resting on older and Guyon returned to base after four the 15 months he spent there (two granite, after a very difficult climb months in the field, and about 1,000 summers and the intervening winter), up at times nearly vertical cliffs. sledge miles. He returned home via Guyon kept a detailed diary record of However, the most rewarding results ship, sailing into Lyttelton harbour, his day-to-day experiences. came later, when Guyon found a to be reunited with his fiancée Sally, The first two chapters of the diary boulder yielding four species of fossil family and friends. deal with the long and frustrating plants, along with multitudes of Guyon and Bernie Gunn jointly business of landing all the supplies the first mollusc to be found in the published a number of scientific papers from the ships onto the shifting ice, Beacon sequence. On 4 December on their discoveries. However, the the hunting of seals to provide meat the geologists hit another jackpot – definitive work which has stood the for the dogs, and then transporting glacial tillite in the Beacon succession. test of time is the Bulletin and maps, all the supplies to Pram Point on Ross The tillite succession, which was published in 1962. This has been used Island, where the base was finally underlain by a thick series of coal as a reference by many post-TAE field erected before the beginning of winter. measures with four or five 6 ft parties and still acts as a monument to The geologists also joined a short (2 m) seams of coal, was an important Guyon and Bernie’s efforts. survey and geological man-hauling discovery because it formed a very For those who experienced similar trip up the Skelton Glacier, collecting strong link in the chain of geological field and base conditions in Antarctica numerous rock samples, and climbing similarity between Antarctica and other in the late 1950s and 1960s, this will the virgin 10,320 ft. (3,100 m) peak southern continents, supporting the be a nostalgic visit to the past. It is of Mt Harmsworth. This was the first contested theory of Continental Drift. also a fitting tribute to the memory significant mountain to be climbed on On Christmas Eve Guyon of Guyon. the mainland of Antarctica. celebrated (in part) a ceremonial The daily journal of an Antarctic Their fieldwork began in early burying of his underclothes. Then a Explorer – 1956–1958 is published by October under the leadership of the huge Christmas cake was produced, Copy Press Books. surveyor Richard Brooke, with Bernie and small bottles of (medicinal) brandy Price (Softbound): $49.95. ISBN: Gunn and Guyon Warren, geologists, were brought out and consumed. 978-0-9941140-2-0
12 Issue 231 You are invited to join; please complete the Membership Application: MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
Name: Address:
New Zealand Email: Antarctic Society Phone: Students (with ID) NZ$40 International members add NZ$15 Unwaged NZ$40 to the relevant New Zealand Membership membership category NZ (Individual) NZ$70 NZ (Family) NZ$80 Referral Source: NZ (Institutions) NZ$180 The New Zealand Antarctic Society Inc was Payment by: Cheque (payable to NZ Antarctic Society) formed in 1933. It comprises New Zealanders and Mastercard / Visa / AMEX overseas friends, many of whom have been to the Direct Deposit to NZAS Account Antarctic and all of whom are interested in some Card No.: aspect of Antarctic exploration, history, science, Expiry Date: Card Security Code: wildlife or adventure. (the last three numbers on the back of Visa/Mastercard Signature: or four numbers from the front of the Amex card A membership to the New Zealand Antarctic Society Society Account Details are: 02 0800 0685108-02 entitles members to: New Zealand Antarctic Society Inc. • Antarctic, the quarterly publication of the Society. BNZ, Christchurch Branch Antarctic is unique in Antarctic literature as it is the only periodical which provides regular and up to date Overseas branch enquiries should be directed to news of the activities of all nations at work in the [email protected], or to: Antarctic, Southern Ocean and Subantarctic Islands. The National Secretary It has worldwide circulation. New Zealand Antarctic Society PO Box 404, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand • Attend meetings, and educational and fun events Antarctic magazine correspondence, advertising that are held by the Auckland, Wellington and enquiries, and article submissions should be sent to Canterbury branches of the Society. [email protected], or to: The Editor ELECTED OFFICERS UNTIL THE 2015 NATIONAL AGM ARE: New Zealand Antarctic Society National President: Mariska Wouters PO Box 404, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand South Island Vice-President: Margaret Bradshaw Enquiries regarding back issues of Antarctic should North Island Vice-President: Linda Kestle be sent to [email protected], or to the National Secretary: Myra Walton National Treasurer at the above address. National Treasurer: Lester Chaplow Immediate Past-President: Jud Fretter Claims for missing issues should be sent to [email protected]. Such claims can be BRANCH CHAIRS: considered only if made immediately after the Auckland: Linda Kestle subscriber has received the subsequent issue. Canterbury: Ursula Rack ADVERTISING RATES: Wellington: Chris Gregory Full Page Colour NZ$700 Half Page Colour NZ$400 www.antarctic.org.nz Full Page Black & White NZ$300 Half Page Black & White NZ$250 Situations Vacant (20 lines) NZ$50 Inserts by arrangement
Vol 32, No. 2, 2014 The Fourth Man This man is nothing, invisible, This man is ghostly, impossible, Nobody following us, nobody Keeping us silent company. Casting no shadow he follows Our long black following shadows.
“Some seaman’s ghost perhaps? Some traveller from the crevasses?” In the mountains there are no ships, And this way no traveller passes. He is not here but he watches us, Checked on the edge of the precipice.
“Creatures of tempests and mists?” God help them if they go Wandering these white wastes While centuries sink in snow. This is no country for men, A land like the back of the moon.
“I cannot touch him nor see, I cannot speak to the air.” Only we know we are three And a fourth man is moving here: On his own purposes bent, Grave and indifferent.
All night and all day and all night In the mountainous land without rest, And the trudging of heavy feet, The fingers of fog on the crest: He gives no direction, no warning, He is light in the sunlight burning.
All things flower out of nothing: Here nothing itself is moving; For this man is nothing, intangible, Yet he is with us, unchangeable, Travelling the snowfields, somebody, Keeping us silent company.
By Douglas Stewart, From Worsley Enchanted, in Sun Orchids (1952), Angus and Robertson.