Other formats

    Adobe Portable Document Format file (facsimile images)   TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

Report on the Victoria University of Wellington Antarctic Expedition 1963-64: VUWAE 8

PREPARATION

PREPARATION

Because the expedition undertook to perform complicated physical and chemical experiments in the Field, a great quantity or scientific apparatus and instruments had to be purchased for the first time. Heavy expenditure was also incurred with party gear because some expensive items such as sleeping bags could not be borrowed as on previous occasions. However, a considerable amount of clothing was loaned by Antarctic Division D.S.I.R. to the expedition, thus keeping down the cost to the University.

This year nothing could be actually purchased through D.S.I.R. or any other organisation so that purchasing and packing of every item required, including food and clothing, was done by the expedition. Many repairs and replacements were needed of equipment already held by the University, especially snow and ice equipment such as ice axes and crampons.

Following the experiences and recommendations of V.U.W.A.E. 6:-

Crampons were expertly fitted by a welding engineer of mountaineering experience after an analysis had been obtained by courtesy of Metals Division, Dominion Laboratory, D.S.I.R. As a result, no breakages occurred and safety on ice was assured at all times.

Sunglasses of good quality and strong materials were purchased, supplied with reinforced cases. No breakages occurred.

Nerde tents and double sleeping bags were used again with equal satisfaction.

Donations were made to the expedition of:- Kodacolour film by Kodak (N.Z.) Ltd.; coffee, tea and "yukchup" by Faggs Coffee Wholes Ltd.; large plastic bags for holding scientific apparatus by on anonymous firm air-sea rescue dinghy for movement and safety on lakes in times of thaw by R.N.Z.A.F.

A full schedule of operations for the summer was formulated and concurred with by N.Z. and U.S. authorities. The expedition's proposed movements were relatively complex especially the 8 day visit to the Darwin Glacier area. Consequently Mr. Prebble accompanied A.D.D.S.I.R, authorities to Christchurch in September and discussed the expedition's plans with the U.S. authorities. As a result the Darwin Movement was made as flexible as possible with regard to its timing and to the number of personnel participating.

Expedition members attended the full Antarctic Training Week at Waiouru in August in order to meet Scott Base and N.Z. field personnel, and to familiarise themselves with base and field procedure and safety. Much scientific equipment for the expedition was designed on the basis of experience gained by V.U.W.A.N.s 5 and 7 and was constructed and packed by expedition members. A great deal of time and effort was put into the preparation of the expedition and was instrumental in the smooth and efficient working that followed in the field.