AVIATION.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 March 1928, Page 2

AVIATION.

Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) HINKLER AT CANBERRA. CANBERRA, March 14. Hinkler arrived and was enthusiastically welcomed. latter, at an offi--1 cial reception, Mr Bruce presented him with the Federal Government's cheque for £2OOO. ATLANTIC FLIGHT. X LONDON, March 13. Uinchcliffe early in the morning inquired from the .Meteorological Office the condition of Atlantic weather and learned that it was fairly good. It is known that the machine carried sufficient petrol for 3,000 miles, but on the contrary, Uinchcliffe frequently stated that in the event of his making i„e trans-Atlantic trip lie would land at the Baldonnel Aerodrome in Ireland, and he bail obtained official permission to do so. American information confirms the theory that they are attempting to roach America. One explanation ol the secrecy is that the machine was purchased on condition that Hinelieliffe did not attempt the trans-Atlantic flight, hut a nonstop land flight. The Air Ministry states that very likely they will experience a tail wind with good visibility tor the greater part of the journey, though in the last stages they may encounter a head wind with snow and sleet squalls. There is mystery concerning the copilot. It is freely rumoured to-night that Miss Mackay is •» passenger, though Hinchcliffe’s wife thinks the friend is Sinclair Gordon. The “Daily Express’’ definitely states that Miss Mackay is accompanying Uinchcliffe and that the mysterious Sinclair is none other than Miss Mackay. The “ Daily Express,” according to a later message, stales that Mrs Sinclair who is living in North London, went to stay with Mrs 11 inclicliflo at Fridley, so that they might lie together while their husbands were making the great attempt. Both had a letter Iron) tlu ir husbands yesterday morning, hut there was no mention of when the state was imminent. Neither knew il" Miss Mackay was ‘with Hincheliffo instead of Sinclair. Only the night port*" saw Miss Mackay and 1 Imchcliffe leave the hotel. Before their departure they prepared an' assortment of “ iron rations” with fruit, hot coffee and other beverages in vacuum flasks. Aliss .Mackay was in flying costume, with a thick leather coat and helmet. A double column photograph shows them standing side by side in front of the aeroplane “Endeavour,” Aliss Mackay smiling, and Hinehcliffe with his hat dolled is serious. Lord Inehcape is at present in Egypt and (onesquently there is only the stall ac the London residence to answer inquiries. They stated as far as they knew Miss Mackay was huev with preparations for going to Egvtp. They expected her to return home yesterday evening. It is now stated that Aliss Mackay stayed at the ITotel Grantham on day night, presumably in order to set to Cranwell Aerodrome early in the morning. Hinchcliffe’s agent, one of the most surprised, said: “1 received a message at 11.30 saying Hinelieliffe had left at 8.45. \ rushed to Cranwell in a motor ear and found a note waiting ‘ Left on Atlantic flight.’ 1 have seen it stated that the machine is large, hut this is a mistake. Tt was a small one: only 220 horse-power.” Airs Hinehcliffe does not fear for her husband's safety. Sinclair is a long friend of ITinelicliffe’s ami they have flown together. LONDON. Ala roll 13. Aviation experts are not sanguine, in view of the weather conditions, for the result of Ilineliclifle’s flight. They admit, it is a far more daring project than Lindbergh's. SIGHTED AT SEA. LONDON. Alarch 14. A radio from a ship four days out from Bordeaux reports sighting a plane flving west. It is believed to he Hinelieiiffo’s. WASHINGTON. March 1 I. The weather conditions are favourable for the Hinehcliffe flight, threequarters of the way across the Atlantic with clear air. Easterly winds, however. and storms which will he most dangerous, are indicated lor the time of arrival at Graudbanks. Newfoundland. Rain and snow .are expected in the Harbour llraeefield. hut present reports are that conditions are excellent, with sheet ice in a nearby pond affording ideal landing facilities. H JXCHCLIFFE FLIGHT. (Received this day at 0 a.i11.) ST. JOHN (Newfoundland) March 14. .Marine and other authorities have abandoned hope at noon that the flight of Hinehcliffe and Honourable Elsie ALu-Kay could succeed. The plane had then been thirty-three and n-quar-ter hours since leaving Cranwell. and should have flown far beyond Newfoundland. even against unfavourable winds. Two uncreilitod reports that the plane was seen in this vicinity have ••ecu disregarded since the weather is clear and it would have lieen plainly seen. The Sealing Fleet, 151) miles east-north-east of St. John, reports nothing. The weather conditions are good along the whole coast, with the exception of heavy fogs on the Alai no Coast. Yesterday members of St. Inson Corporation, who built the plane, stated it find been sold to Hinelieliffe with the understanding it was to he used on a flight to India, not to America, for which flight its normal petrol capacity was hardly sufficient. The airfields in New York and Philadelphia are ready to receive hint in case Hinehcliffe has decided to fly direct to the Unites! States.

NO REPORT YET. (Roe-lived this dnv at 1ti.1.5 a.mA NEAV YORK, March 14. Hinehcliffe had not been reported late on Wednesday afternoon. It is foggy between Newfoundland and Now York.