AVIATION.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 January 1928, Page 2

AVIATION.

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.)

ENDURANCE FLY. NEW YORK. Jan. 19

With two-thirds of their task behind them. Smith and Pond wirelessed late at night that they had the highest hopes of- shattering the record, although the petrol consumption had been slightly higher than their estimate, owing to the extreme cold which has gripped the Pacific Coast region for the past three days. Thqir computations gave them sufficient fuel to beat the existing record by at least two hours.

ATTEMPT FAILS. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) SAN FRANCISCO. Jan. 20. The Following are progress.messages of the flight. “Gas generators jammed, petrol getting low. Spirit of California is still aloft, though not heard from since 11.57 last evening.” ’’Spirit of California at 2. 30 a.m. reported gas getting low. hut thought could hold out till daylight.” “Smith wirelessed petrol nearly exhausted can remain in air only a short time longer.” Smith states they are experiencing extreme cold but it is liveable in the plane." Ho said nothing in regard to the petrol supply.” “At 9. 15. the plane circled over Mills Field at an elevation of twenty-five hundred feet, with three motors throttled down to their limit.” “Smith then wirelessed reserve tank held enough petfo! to last another half hour..” “Kingsford Smith’s ante-mpt failed. He ended his fifty hour flight at 10. 15. o’clock this morning through gasoline short age.” SAN FRANCISCO. Jan. 19. Smith said: “We will lie ready to try again after several days rest, and if the temperature gives us an even break we will come down with the record.”