WELLINGTON-NELSON AIR FLIGHT

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 42, 12 November 1921, Page 2

WELLINGTON-NELSON AIR FLIGHT

PIONEER PASSENGER RUN DETAILS OF THE JOURNEY By Telegraph—Special Correspondent. Nelson, November 11. The first aeroplane, to visit Nelson, arrived here to-day, creating much interest. Captain Fowler, pilot of. the chine, left Lyall Bay, accompanied by his mechanic, Mr. Ranesh, and Mr. A. Newman, of Messrs. Newman Bros., as a passenger, at 11.15, and arrived here at one o’clock. Prior to descending at Stoke the Avro circled over Nelson, to the delight of the residents. Later, the machine, having taken in. more petrol, ascended, and conveyed Mr- Newman, to his home at Brightwater. Captain Fowler dated, that the flying distance was a little over one hundred miles. Leaving Wellington, the weather was foggy, but it cleared up by the time Terawhiti was reached. Cook Strait was crossed from land to land in fifteen, minutes at an altitude of 6000 feet. Above the French Pass the coast line was followed until Nelson wag sighted. . The weather was fine, but there was a strong head wind all the way over. Mr Newman, op arrival, stated that he: had had a most enjoyable trip,, and one which he '’would not have missed for anything. He had great praise for the capable manner in which the aeroplane was handled by th 6 pilot, who was flying over an unknown route. MrNewman- stated that his desire has been to be the first passenger to fly to. Nelson. Undaunted by two unsuccessful attempts last week to reach Nelson by aeroplane from Blenheim, he crossed to Wellington, and arranged with tho Aero Transport Company to fly him to Nelson, and to-day his ambition has been realised. The trip over vzas a most successful one. ■Both Mr. Newman, and Captain. Fowler received many congratulations when the machine glided to the ground tear the former’s residence at Brightwater this afternoon.

One feature of the aeroplane’s visit was that to-day’s Dominion was on sale in Nelson the same day as published. Captain Fowler may stay a few days in Nelson, in which event flights will be arranged from Richmond racecourse.