TASMAN FLIGHT

Hokitika Guardian, 3 January 1928, Page 1

TASMAN FLIGHT

STATEMENT BY BACKERS. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) DANKEVTRKE, Dec. 31. A. AlcNicol, trustee of the Tasman flight fund, slates that lie has received through the courtesy of Hon J. G. Coates, a cabled memo from Air Bruce in which the latter stated that Australian experts recommended, after an exhaustive inquiry that the flight should not be attempted, save in a flying boat or machine of an amphibian type. Air Brute states that his Government will take no steps to prohibit- the flight authorised by the New Zealand Government, Air AlcNicol says that the proposed Might is not authorised by the New Zealand Government, hut the first step taken by the trustees was to have an assurance of tho authorities here that the machine afforded a sufficient margin of safety. The hackers fully appreciated the motives of the Australian Government and had no desire to recklessly risk the lives of the aviators. The first step taken by the trustees before ordering the machine was to receive an assurance from the New Zealand directors of air services, that it was thoroughly callable of the flight. The trustees further delayed ordering the machine until a cable was received <Oll September 22nd, from Air Bruce through the- New Zealand Government, stating that the Australian Government did not prohibit flights 'by aeroplane, although not favouring them, and would render every assistance to pilots approved by the Now Zealand Government. With the authorised machine, the airmen left this country equipped with all necessary papers regarding themselves and tho machine, to satisfy the Australian authorities. The Australian Government generously agreed »o permit the aeroplane In free of duty, providing it was out of the country in six months.

■ Air AlcNicol states that the position that has now arisen throws the aviators on their own resources, and this is unfair to them in view of the assurances formerly given. Air AlcNicol has received a cable from Lieutenant Aloncrieff stating that the test Might was satisfactory and that he is leaving with Captain Hood for Sydney on Sunday or Alonday.