FURTHER DELAY

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 83, 31 December 1937, Page 5

FURTHER DELAY

—PreBe ABSoeiation.)

Clipper Will Not Leave Until To-morrow UNSUITABLE WEATHER

(By Telegraph-

AUCKLAND, Last Night. The definite decision not to commence the northward flight of the PanAmerican Airways Samoan Clipper until Saturday morning at the earliest, and then 'only provided the weather is suitable, was made to-day by the officers of the company in Auckland. The latest ' weather reports, although more favourable, were not sufficientlyencouraging for any plans to be made for a start early to-morrow morning. The instructions given on Wednesday night to prepare moorings at Islington Bay, Rangitoto, for the Clipper were followed by a decision early this morning to move the craft from Meehanics Bay to the more sheltered locality. As soon as it was light enough Captain Musick and two of his officers went -aboard the Clipper and started the motors. The ship was taxied slowly out past the breakwater and down the harbour. In spite of the gusty wind and choppy sea the heavily-laden eraft was handled well, and no difficulties were experienced as she moved to her new moorings. With a launch in close company the progress of the Clipper was watcheq from shore by other officials of the company. Mooring equipment was taken to Islington Bay by launch and the Clipper was secured in a sheltered position. Arrangements were made for those aboard to keep in touch with the eompany's shore stations by means of radio. Regular watches are being taken by the respective operators. When he returned to the qity, Captain Musick reported that the Clipper was quite snug and was riding easily. The first officer, Captain Culbertson, was in command aboard in Captain Musick's absence. Food supplies for the skeleton crew on the clipper were conveyed by launch. A hot dinner was provided tonight and the launch also took breakfast supplies.