TASMAN FLIGHT

Hokitika Guardian, 4 January 1928, Page 1

TASMAN FLIGHT

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) ASS IST A NOE WITH DRAWN. MELBOURNE, Dec. 31. Although Captain Knight and the other New Zealand airmen inspected their aeroplane to-day, they made no effort to fly to Sydney. At a late hour they were standing hv apparently waiting for some development.

Colonel Brinsmead, Controller of Civil Aviation, said to-day that in view of Air Bruce’s statement it was impossible for the Australian authorities to render the New Zealanders any more assistance. What they proposed to do now was a matter for themselves. About two months, ago Colonel Brinsmead said. Mr Bruce indicated very clearly the type of machine which would receive the support of the Federal Government. * That was a machine designed specifically for long-distanco flying over water. In reply to a question as to what steps the Government would take if the aviators persisted in making the trip, Colonel Brinsmead pointed out that there were certain penalties which could lie imposed for a breach of the flying regulations of the Commonwealth.

FUTURE PLANS NOT FINED. MELBOURNE, Jan. 1. Captain Knight states that the New Zealand airmen are extremely depressed over the attitude of the Australian Government as- they understood that they had the Australian million! ies permission to make the flight. Captain Knight added that their future plans were indefinite. Ho. whs unable to say what they were going to do until they had communicated with tbe Now Zealand Government. THE AVIATORS START. FORCED TO LAND. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) SYDNEY, Jan. 4. Owing to bad weather tbe New Zealand aviators landed at Bonborg, near Mossvnle.

FLIGHT TO COME OFF. (Received this day at 9.30 a.m). MELBOURNE, Jan. 4. It is stated that the New Zealand aviators intend to remain at Richmond until the full moon and begin their flight on Friday. Mr Coates’s cablegram to Mr Bruce read“l think a slight misunderstanding has occurred. The New Zealand Government has boon advised by tho chief advisory officer of the New Zealand Air Board that, the machine selected and now in Australia is suitable to cover the distance. The Government lias indicated to the promoters that a flying ix>at or amphibian machine was considered desirable, but the promoters pressed to be allowed to attempt the flight with the machine now in Australia, and flic New Zealand Government made it quite plaiii to Knight nid bis party that tho Government' did not accept any responssihility. but would not stand in their way and would render legitimate assistance. Letters were given accordingly and in the circumstances 1 should he glad it you could allow Knight and his party to proceed, tho position having been made quite clear lo them.”

Air I truce in reply said his Government decided In concur. He is instructing the aviation authorities to render assistance to prepare fur the flight. In event of its being attempted? it is also asked that the meteorologies';] department supply nM possible data. He must, however, make it clear his Government slill considers it extremely undesirable that an attempt should be made in a machine of_ the tvpe proposed and he only roll aiued from taking steps to prevent the flight in view of the direct request from Air Coates.