AVIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 29 May 1928, Page 2

AVIATION

Australian Press Assn.-—United Service SEARCH FOR “ ITALIA.” WILKINS MAY ASSIST.

LONDON, May 27. The “ Tiines’s ” Stockholm correspondents reports that the possibility of Wilkins ' and Eielson participating in the search for the Italia, with their aeroplane, is being discussed. The proposal is* hailed with delight at Rome.

The “ Times's ” Oslo correspondent states: Lieutenant Holm’s hydroplane lias been ordered to leave Horten on .Monday for Tromso. It will then he taken northward in the steamer Hobby to a point whence it will begin a detailed search. Meanwhile an auxiliary expedition is being prepared.

ANXIETY AT ROME. ROME, AI ay 28. The public continues to be most anxious regarding the ship Italia. The absence of radio messages is the most disturbing feature, though a. breakdown of her engines may account for the impossibility of communicating the airship’s present position.

Signor Mussolini has repeatedly been in communication with Spitzbergen, and lie is arranging for measures of relief.

Tbe weather reports from the Arctic; however, are depressing. Amundsen and Sverdrup were dining with Wilkins and Eielson when a representative of the Norwegian Government entered the banqueting hall and asked their aid. This was the first intimation that anxiety was felt. The four explorers immediately volunteered to give what assistance was in their power.

S.O.S. CALLS. SAN FRANCISCO, May 27. The San Francisco Radio Corporation of America and several amateur stations on the Pacific Coast have received S.O.S. calls purporting to be ■from the airship Italia. Tlio calls fail to give the position of the ship, hut they said she was in distress, and asked for immediate help.

The calls wore in Italian and in french, and were received clearly in San Francisco, hut the messages were somewhat garbled. Radio men here declared that the Italia has been in contact with St. Raul, in Alaska, but that the present weather conditiqns prevent communication between St. Paul and San Fran-

The Italia’s purported message read

“ C.Q.D.K. —Dirigible of Nobile in distress. Asking help. She supplied with short wave 30.33 metres radio. Dirigible Italia. A.W.E.C., General Nobile.”

THE PACIFIC FLY. SAN FRANCISCO, May 29.

A message states Kingshuid Smith has announced donitely that his starting time for his flight will he nine in the morning of 31st. A lay, and he declared that nothing lint impossible flying conditions would delay tlio start. He stated the Southern Cross is in excellent condition, requiring nothing hut careful final tests, which arc now being given. The mechanics were busy to-day tuning up the motors. A start will be made down the same runway from which Maitland, Ilegenhergen and others flew to Honolulu.