AVIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 30 May 1928, Page 2

AVIATION

Australian Pre<is Assn.—United Service THE S.O.S. INTERPRETED. WASHINGTON, May 28. The U.S.A. Navy Department, on the basis of a similar message picked up by tlie American transport, Cliaumont, in Chinese waters has to-day explained the origin of the so-called Nobile distress message picked up on the Pacific Coast (ns cabled on May 27) by the Navy code experts. “A.S.R.A.O. 3” was the signature of a Yladivostock station, and the message should he read as follows: “To all ships: From Yladivostock station : 1 have something to transmit:—The dirigible of General Nobile is in distress, and is asking for help. He is supplied with a short-wave 30 point 33 meter radio.” Mr Wilbur (Secretary to the U.S.A. Navy) said to-day that “ some consideration ” was being given to sending the dirigible Los Angeles to the aid of General Nobile, hut it did not appear feasible at this time. MOSCOW, May 29.

The Soviet says that it will not organise relief for the Italia until it is definitely known in what direction the Italia has been blown.

REPORTED LANDING IN ALASKA

LONDON. May 29

The “Daily Mail’s” Oslo correspondent states: Faith was placed in a report that the airship Italia lias landed in Alaska, and preparations are being pushed on for relief expeditions. The Italia’s base ship, Citta di Milano, owing to ice obstructions, is retuiniug to King's Bay, lint a Norwegian plane, piloted by Baser Larsen, lias left for Toniso.

ALASKA STORY SCOUTED. LONDON, May 29

The “Daily Mail’s” Oslo correspondent says that the Arctic explorer Hod expresses the opinion that Colonel Nuliilc’s party will be safe if they have landed on the ice to the east, because its drift is southwards, and it will survive till the autumn; but if the Italia lias been driven west of Spitsbergen the party must be gravely in danger. lloel and Amundsen scout the Alaska story

LONDON, May 29.

Tlie “"Daily Mail’s” Oslo correspondent states tlie Italian Govcniment lias chartered the wooden steamer Biaganze, which will sail for Tromso m a searcli for the Italia.

WlldvlXS RIOTED IN DENMARK COPENHAGEN, May 28.

Wilkins and Kielson have arrived hore. They were welcomed by three Danish military aeroplanes. They were also escorted by a German air liner over part of their journey from Norway.

COBHAM, REACHES EUROPE. BARCELONA, May 28 Cobh a m has arrived here.

REPORT OF ITALIA. LONDON, May 29

The ‘"‘Central News“ correspondent at King's Bay states tlie Citta Di Milano is icebound north of Cape Barren. It reports a sealing vessel notified having received a faint message apparently from the Italia implying they were forced to malm a landing at Amsterdam Island. Ihe Citta Di Milano is sending a. sleigh party to investigate.

eulsco-sydn by flight SAN FRANCISCO. May 29. The monoplane “Southern Cross” was given her final tests on Mondac, preparatory to the four-stop hop to Sydney, with Major Kingsford Smith. The plane is scheduled to hop off on Thursday morning, or possibly Wednesday, if the weather permits. The first goal is Honolulu.

THE SEARCH FOR NOBILE. OSLO, May -->9. Lieutenant Holm arrived at Bodoe by plane ami is hastening to ["mmso, and thence aboard the J lobby to Spitzbergen to begin tlie air search. The coal mining company at King’s Bay lias placed a. splendid (log team at the disposal of the searchers.

NO N IOWS. (Received this dav at 10.15 t.m.l LONDON, May 20. A United Press message from King’s Hay states a supposed signal Irom the Italia was picked up at 10.10 on Sundae night. It was not reported earlier owing to the sealers’ wireless being disordered. Oilier reports discount the story as the Cilia dc Milano passed Amsterdam Island on Sunday and saw nothing to indicate the Italia’s presence. Meanwhile a fierce snowstorm is delaying the departure of the investigation sledge party, which coasted Hraganzn on route to King’s Bay and is attempting to pierce pack ice towards Franz Josef Land. Ihe prevalence of north-westerlies discounts the theory that the Italia has been blown towards Alaska.