Wellington - How do scientists and other workers at the US McMurdo base in the Antarctic keep warm during the long, dark winter months? A New Zealand newspaper provided a clue on Monday when it revealed that 16,488 condoms had been delivered.

Station manager Bill Henriksen assured The Press, of Christchurch, that it was a year's supply and was not just to supply the 125 people who are spending the winter months at the base when no flights can get in or out.

He said the normal population during the summertime was 1,100, adding, "There are some people that tend to get a little bit bored but, for the most part, people who come down here know how to occupy their time." (dpa)