TASMAN FLIGHT

Hokitika Guardian, 7 January 1928, Page 3

TASMAN FLIGHT

MAY SET COURSE FOR GREY,

{By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) < SYDNEY, Jan. 0. The New Zealand aviators have completed all their preparations for the llight across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand. They are only awaiting favourable weather canditions to make the start. The airmen realise there is an element of risk in crossing 1450 miles over the Tasman Sea in this pioneer flight, even under the most auspieous circumstances, and they are determined not to take any foolhardly risks. The aviators are hopeful of getting away early on Sunday morning. They will only start then, however, >jf the weather is perfect for flying. They are leaving early in the morning, so as to utilise the maximum i amount of daylight. * It has not yet been decided whether y Captain Knight or Captain Hood will accompany Captain Moncrieff. Tho two pilots who travel will take turns at the joystick, and for twoliour spells each will have control of the plane, while the other rests. "Whether tho machine is to make direct for Wellington will not be dee ided till it is half way across the Tas- ■ man, when hearings will be taken, and the course set for either Wellington or Greymouth. Greymoutli is the proposed alternative landing place. The machine has heen put through every possible test, and the fliers are confident that it will prove equal to what it is required to do. < Captain Knight, interviewed bv a Press Association representative strongly stressed the point that he wished the public, both in New Zealand and in Australia, to understand that there is nothing whatever in the way of a stunt or of gaining personal kudos, about the flight. Tt is being undertaken at much personal inconvenience and financial risk, they having received very small public support for the journey. The flight Was being undertaken with a wider national objective, that offereating a deeper interest in the pressing question of the value of aerial defence in the Pacific zone, and of drawing into close relationship the people of New Zealand and Australia in their commercial and other interests, thereby welding stronger the links in the great Empire unity ideal.