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Hokitika Guardian, 30 December 1927, Page 2

I The flight over the Tasman Sea hv New Zealanders now being arranged for an early date, will be an object of special interest. It seems rather strange that the conquest of the Australian-New Zealand aerial trip has been delayed so long. Many records have been established in other parts of the world, while flying long distances over Australia is almost a daily occurrence. It is satisfactory, however, that it has been reserved for New Zealanders to make

the first attempt, and it is to he hoped with the precautions taken it will be a successful one. The distance across is estimated at a little under 1500 miles, and with the speed calculated at 100 miles an hour, the journey should lie accomplished in less than 15 hours. The flying men are Captain G Hood, of Master ton and Lieut. R J Monerieff, of Wellington. They are now in Melbourne, where the aeroplane has been assembled. The intention is

to try out the new machine in a trial flight from Melbourne to Sydney, and thence depart when all is comsidei-ed well, on the direct route to New Zealand, with Wellington as the landing objective. The machine to lie used is supplied by the Ryan Air Line of l .S.A. and is said to be similar lo the machine referred to in “AYe,” and used bv Charles Lindbergh ill his remarkable lone flight across the Atlantic. The machine lias special equipment for

emergency use in an overseas cruise, and no doubt will be well found in oyery particular. It is possible the aeroplane will be .seen or heard over the \\ost Coast. In the voyage to New Zealand, the flying men arc sure to be on the look out for the Southern Alps as a guide to the ultimate destination. .Mount Cook is a special signal post to the mariner making the New Zealand ■" 'last, and the aerial voyagers will also, no doubt, lie on the look out for the mountain range which will b c the means of affording them the best information as to their bearings. Doubtless when the Ao-te-a-roa sets out on her pioneer trip across the Tasman Sea. it will he the signal for a sharp look out to be kept along the Coast lor the first sign of the aerial wanderers. The trip will ho flic forerunner of the ultimate means of communication by which in the years to come ■mi much direct intercourse hot ween 1 lie JnmmonWealth and the Dominion will le established. Meantime the best of good wishes will be extended to the intrepid voyagers, so soon to make the journey.