The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 1928. THE LUCK THAT FAILED.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 January 1928, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 1928. THE LUCK THAT FAILED.

It was a grievous disappointment to realise late on Tuesday night that the plucky aeroplane Might to pioneer the air route between Australia and New Zealand portended failure and tragedy. The luck of Lindbergh did not favour the plucky New Zealanders who gave their all not unwillingly that their country should have the honour and renown if they succeeded in pioneering the aerial route over the Tasman Sea. Their effort was not made for reward or personal profit other than the credit which would accrue to them if they succeeded. Their ■desire was to put New Zealand ‘‘on the maps” of the aerial world so that this country along with others of the Empire and other nations |of the world, might he linked up by possible aerial flights. It is sad to think that their pluck has gone for nought. That all they hoped for was not achieved, and that with all was the supreme sacrifice in which their life partners and relatives must share also in poignant memory. The outcome of the attempt hears out all too palpably the value of the check which the air force authorities in Australia sought to iin-

pose, and the experience suggests tliot, no future crossing should he nltempted without the .stump of approval jointly of the aerial forces of Australia and New Zealand. That the trip is possible under certain conditions and safeguards is certain, because of even great flying feats which have been performed in other parts of the world. Building up from the experience gained in such other achievements,, the authorities of the Commonwealth and the Dominion should have a mutual and reciprocal agreement for the future that flights of such a character should bo attempted only after providing all the safeguards which science and sound judgment can impose. Looking back at the flight in question there are some points arising which suggest that oversea flying should be in the hands solely of the most expert. Folks

were a great deal assured when told that wireless was to lie carried. This .report inferred that the airmen would lie able to do more than merely signal, but also report in material terms as to their progress and experiences. Unfortunately we learned later that they were not expert telegraphists, and the best they could do was to signal a single Morse sign which was to convey the message of “all well.” Apparently those messages were not heard in New Zealand after 12.15 on Tuesday. If then the sighting of the aeroplane at Stephen’s Island is not confirmed, it would appear the airmen were at most not more than halfway across when the signals failed. The value of wireless is inestimable, and there is every reason why on such an errand it should function effectively. Apparently the airmen were not

exports, and one aid to their safety or clue as to their possible fate, is thus lost. Another disquieting aspect of the position is the earlier report of the hopping off from Sydney, and the reference to the oil flooding and choking some vital points of the machine. A mechanist informs us that this was a very serious phase and should have prompted a complete overhaul of the machinery so as to remove all traces of the oil from the vital parts. It does not appear time was afforded for that purpose, and if so, if the cleaning was done perfunctorily, the oil which remained was

liable as the flight progressed to carbonise and l>ecome a menace to the assured running of the machine. This again is a phase calling for expert knowledge and inspection, not only by the airmen but by those responsible for permitting the voyage. However, these and other matters should engage the attention of the authorities for the future. For the present all will deplore the sad termination to a great enterprise. New Zealand was moved certainly by the attempt to accomplish a notable feat, and every

sympathy will go out to those who will suffer by the loss of life and failure of the exploit. I’lie experience is not a pleasant one at the opening of a new year, and is to be regretted from every point of view, and particularly in the loss and suffering imposed upon the young wives and relatives of the intrepid airmen.