ARRANGEMENTS FOR RECEPTION

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 54, 19 March 1937, Page 5

ARRANGEMENTS FOR RECEPTION

Machine Not Expected Before Next Week (By Telegraph — Press Association.) ,xrr- AUCKLAND, Last Night. The arrangemeata to receive the PanAmerican survey Clipper at the conclusion of her flight from San Francisco to Auckland are proceeding steadily, and the Auckland Harbour Board, Auckland Eleetrie Power Board and City Council Traffic Department were engaged to-day in discussing .the preparations. All the necessary work will be completed in ample time. It is not considered likely by Mr. Harold Gatty, representative of the company in New Zealand, that the machine will reach Auckland before the middle of 'next week. A temporary base for the Clipper between King's wharf and the Devonport vehieular ferry landing began to take shape to-day. The area was fenced off and moorings for a landing barge were laid. Two powerful floodlights were installed, and massive bollards planted in the ground to take the mooring ropes. Further conferences took place between xepresentatives of the company 's staff at present in Auckland and officers of the interested local bodies, and the landing area was inspected by Mr. Gatty in company with Mr. J. Tyler (city engineer), Mr. C. Biand (superin tendent of traffic) and Mr. W. R. GoMen (traffie manager of the Auckland Har bour Board); Four launches are at the disposal of the company for use in connection with the arrival of the Clipper — a speedboat from the Hobsonville air base, a harbour board launch and two privatelyowned craft. In the evenfc of a idghi; landing being necessary, these boats, together with others, will be lined up and suitably illuminated to indicate te the commander of the Clipper a clear runway in which to land. The nafcure of the reception to he ae corded Captain Musick and his crew has not yet been decided, but it wil! necessarily be brief, as the airmen wili be anxious to rest after their long journey. It is likely that the chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board wil. receive the visitors, and that, after a brief reply by Captain Musick, the\ will be driven to an hotel. The arrangements for an adequate welcome to Vuckland on biftalf of the citizens aiv in the hands of the Mayor (Mr. Davis , -•-nd the reception will probably take •;-ace on the day after the arrival o -'-o Clipper.