Rival to Amundsen’s expedition

Mr Grettir Algarsson, with a crew of 20 volunteers practically all in the twenties, sailed from Falmouth on board the Iceland today for the North Pole. He expects to commence his flight in the middle of May. 

"When we reach the Pole," he declared, “we will descend by a rope ladder to the ice, spend several hours making calculations, and then make a bee-line for Alaska, thus proving that we have been over the Pole. This will involve a flight of over 2000 miles. We will carry fuel for 2500 miles. If the airship is destroyed we will have a sledge and foodstuffs to last for 600 miles. We stand a sporting chance. The airship in which I hope to reach the Pole will be of a small non-rigid type similar to the Blimps which were used in patrolling the Channel during the war. The airship has been specially constructed in London to encounter exceptional conditions, but we are in such a hurry to obtain a start over Captain Amundsen that its first test will be the flight from London to Liverpool. It is 150 feet long, with a windowed gondola made to carry four passengers and 30 days’ food."

Double decker?

A holiday spirit abounded yesterday, but aided with it was something of the Scottish canniness in many respects. Many people, old, middle-aged, and young, visited the various harbour bays, journeying by ferry steamer, motor bus, and privately-owned cars. 

The regatta held at Lower Portobello proved quite a big attraction, and those who travelled to this beauty spot were rewarded with a fine sight made by the white wings of the sailing craft and the fleet of motor boats moving hither and thither. 

Two press representatives who made the journey from the city by motor bus had their thoughts turned to the wild, stage coach days so vividly described by American writers. The bus was crowded, the road in places was rough, and the holiday-makers were relieved when the journey ended. When the bus was nearing its destination a halt was made to pick up two young men. There was no room for them inside, so they completed their journey on the roof.

Edward Pōhau Ellison’s send-off

Word came to Dr E.P. Ellison (Chatham Island) that he was to be prepared to leave at any moment. Dr Ellison has been expecting a move for some time, and will leave shortly for Dunedin, where he will undergo a six months’ refresher course in the Hospital, and then proceed to Rarotonga as resident medical officer. 

Dr Ellison was the recipient of a complimentary address and a wallet of notes totalling over £100. 

Miss Pattison wins singles

No outdoor sportsman could have desired better weather than that which was enjoyed here yesterday, and conditions were very favourable for the continuation of the Otago Lawn Tennis Association’s annual Easter Tournament. The courts at Anderson’s Bay were busily occupied all day and a number of ladies’ events were decided on the Otago courts in the morning. In the final when Miss Pattison defeated Miss Bagley, 6-3, 8-6, both played forcible tennis, with good forehand and backhand driving. The games were noted for long rallies, and the large number of deuces showed the close nature of the games from start to finish. If Miss Pattison had a little more confidence in her volleying and smashing and came up more often, she would be difficult to beat in any company.

— ODT, 14.4.1925 (Compiled by Peter Dowden)