AVIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 7 May 1928, Page 3

AVIATION

Australian Press Assn.—United Service

NOBILE’S ELY. LONDON. May I

Yadsoo reports state that a violent blizzard drove over Spitsbergen, damaging the airship hangar there. Colonel Nobile (the. Commander of the Italian airship ’‘ltalia") has been wirelessly advised to postpone his departure from Yadsoo until to-morrow, to allow of repairs to i lie hangar at fspilzbergeir. The canvas walls have been torn to ribbons. A road which l as been constructed at Spitsbergen, with considerable effort, from the beach to the hangar, has been destroyed.

The crew of the supply ship were working all night to effect repairs to the hangars There is naturally disappointment among tho airship crow, who are anxious for their great adventure.

Meanwhile the weathei towards the North has taken a dismal change for the worse. Storms are sweeping from west to east, and it is raining and frosty.

The immediate continuation of the flight would lead to the danger ul the airship burning, or becoming icecoated.

NOBILE DEPARTS. OSLO. May 0

"Wilkins refused Nobile’s invitation to accompany the “Italia” on the Polar (light.

The “Italia’’ lia.s departed from Yadsoo for Spitsbergen.

r.N THE AIR RECORD. NEW YORK. May I

Royal Thomas, flying alone, remain od in the air over Alltcliell Field loi thirty-live hours heating Lindbergh’ thirty-three hours thirty-three min utes, A broken tank valve compelled Thomas to descend.

KTNG.s-FOB I) SMITH'S ELY. SAN FRANCISCO, May i

Kingsford Smith has tentatively fixed .May 30 th to hop off tor Honolulu, New Britain, New Guinea and Queensland. The Southern Cross made splendid time returning here from Santa Barbara with six aboard. Ulm has definitely been selected as Smith’s only companion for the long (light.