AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 January 1928, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) FEDERAL PREMIER’S COMMENT MELBOURNE, Jan. 18. Air Bruce states that although thn Government has had no official notification of the proposed new flight from, .Sydney to New Zealand, the Federal Government is strongly oppos ed to long fights across water, unless amphibian or seaplane with proper equipment for sea flying is used.

Air Bruce added that the flightproposed by Aloody in a monoplane without floats would be far to hazardous, and the Government did not approve of any long distance flights that were not first approved by the Governments Technical experts, and considered by them to have a reasonable chance of success There was a regulation prohibiting flying in land machines for more than fifty miles out to sea, unless they were fitted with floats and carried proper necessary equipment to give the airmen a chance if forced down in the sea.

Referring to the report cabled from New Zealand that Bailey proposed to make a flight from Australia. Major De ILrvilaiul said he had never heard of Bailey and never heard of the proposal to use a Do Havilnnd machine on such a (light.

terrific hailstorm. BRISBANE, Jan. 18

A terrific hailstorm in the Rockhampton district caused incalculable dam age.

In places, pieces of ice measuring six inches by five inches, perforated roofs, and ruined pineapple farms. The storm was accompanied by a roaring noise which was heard for miles.

'lhe hail fell with such terrific force that poultry and pigs were killed outright. while other stock in the line of the storm went mad, charging through fen cl's and other obstructions, and adding to the houvv stock dentil roll.

RAILWAY FINANCES. MELBOURNE. Jan. 19

Alarmed at the serious drift of the finances of the Railway Department, Ihe Slate .Ministry according to Premier Hogan, have decided to appoint a Royal Commission to investigate the matter and make recommendations designed (o prevent further loss-

11 lEEE TEAM. A 1 KLBOURNE. -Fan. 19. The Executive Committee of the Com mon wea 111: Council Rifle Association, Australia have decided that the Australian team which will compete at Bisloy, should consists of thirteen men, the team being representative of all the States. Colonel Merritt commands the team.