AVIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 9 June 1928, Page 3

AVIATION

THE LAST LAP. HOP-OFF AT NASELAI. (Special to Press. Assn, by Radio.) SUVA, June 8. 'l'lie Government yacht “Pioneer” reports that the Southern Cross took off from Naselai Sands without difficulty, and with plenty of room to spare. The “Yangona” ceremony was performed by a large gathering of Fijians prior to the departure. Captain Smith thanked the inatives. The crowd cheered the Southern Cross. The motors were warmed up, and, for ten minutes circled around. j lien the Southern Cross disappeared in the direction of Suva. The fliers were cheered on entering the ’plane. AFTER. THE START. SUVA, June B.' The ’plane Southern Cross passed over Suva this afternoon at 8.4 o’clock (Suva time) flying west. MESSAGE OF TH ANKS. SUVA, June 8. The Southern Cross wirelessed at 4.40 p.m. as follows: “ Governor, Suva.—Please convey to Mayor Marks and all the residents our truly sincere and grateful appreciation of all that has been done for us. Long will we remember your wonderful hospitality. Everything has been done for us and without Suva’s wonderful co-operation, our flight would not have been the success which, we feel sure, it now will be. Please, also, personally thank the Fijians for their great help.—Kingston! Smith.” WORST WEATHER. YET. WELLINGTON, June 8. The Secretary of the Post and Telegraph Department has received the following telegram at 9 p.m. (New Zealand time): — “ The Southern Cross, 9 p.m.; Position: latitude 21.47 degrees south; longitude 170.01 degrees east. Cloudy. Six thousand feet.”

At 8.45 p.m. the following came from the Southern Cross: “We did not want to worry anyone, hut now that wo are about out of it, we will tell you that for the past two hours we have been battling with the worst weather of the whole flight, at a height of 7,000 to 10,000 efet. There has been exceptionally heavy rain, the bumps giving us several drops of over four hundred feet at a time, and generally a series of mean tricks on this one last stage; hut as soon as the moon comes up and the blind flying ends for the night, we will have some refreshment. lam too cold to write more. AVo are all ‘ O.K.’ WiII send later. Cheerio ! a (Signed) Ulm.” EFFECTS OF THE STORM. AVELLINGTON, June 8. "2BL” Sydney, announced that prior to the airplane encountering the storm area, she was making 99 miles an hour. AA'hen she hit the storm, her speed was reduced to 73 miles. At 9.10 p.m. (New Zealand time) the airplane was 180 miles south of New Caledonia and 90 miles north-east, of AValpole Island. At 9.36 (N.Z. time) the airplane sent the following morse messages to Suva and to Honolulu: —“Cheerio I Harry and Jim.” At 10.13 o’clock to-night (New Zealand time)- the following Morse message from the Southern Cross was picked up in AVellington direct:— “ Drops of over 400 feet, and generally a series of mean tricks by the elements on the last stage. Smithy and I are wet through, hut as soon as the moon comes up and blind fifing ends for tlie night, we will have a spot of our emergency rations—whisky. I am too cold to write more without gloves. AVill send later. Cheerio. AVe will get there. O.K. (Signed)—Ulm.

THE ’PLANE,’S PROGRESS. WELLINGTON. June 9. The Radio. Station at AVellington has been keeping in touch with the movements of the Southern Cross in its flight from Suva, to Brisbane, receiving hourly -reports of its position. At 1 a.m.: the plane was 708 miles from Brisbane and in a bead wind; by 3 a.m. the distance from tlie goal was reduced to 555 miles; by 4 a.m. 489 miles; by 5 a.m. to 408 miles.

ON THE ATE. WITH THE AVIATORS. Listeners-in liad the opportunity ol a night out last night when 28. L Broadcasting Station, Sydney, was on the air from yesterday , afternoon and all through the night lip to the time of landing at Brisbane this morning. The announcer was in his best form and his well-known voice must, have carried to , many a far corner of Australasia and beyond as he told the,,story ol the i.tstorie flight. The conditions throughout the night were excellent. There was an absence of static, and all other Australian stations were closed down. The broadcast from 2 BL therefore came through perfectly. The morse signals from the Southern Cross on her lone flight could be heard clearly, 'while the regular buzz and hum of the the aeroplane were heard perfectly and gave no doubt ns to the safety of the ship in the air. The broadcasting station maintained a connected story of the flight through the courtesy of the Sydney “ Sun

. newspaper, whose account was copyrighted. Interspersed were descriptions of the flight' and position of the aero- I plane at given times and with the ns- 1 sistance of a map of Oceania it was i possible to follow the flying men all I through the journey. The account wag I interspersed with various interludes at i the broadcasting station, not the-least interesting being a few words of ■ acknowledgement from Mr Him s i brother, and a cheery “How do you do, everybody,” from Mr Hlm’s wife. The lady was thrilled with the situation and the opportunity to speak over the air. Later the residence of Captain Smith’s parents was connected with the broadcasting station, and, \ there was a brief conversation over the ’phono between the announcer and Mr Smith’s brother, the dialogue being

broadcasted simultaneously with the progress of the conversation. Tins was about 3 a.m. Sydney time tins morning, and Mr Smith stated his father and mother had retired to rest, it being thought wise that the old people should rest awhile. **' During the night 2BL started » subscription list to augument the Sydney “Sun” list for the aviators. A charge of two guineas was made to visitors entering the studio to hear nml see what was going on. and a large sum was raised. Many persona / donations were announced over the \ air, the first'being five guineas from - ' ]yf r Anderson who was refeued o familiarly as the. “sausage king. Later a motorist doubled that and - v Anderson was called up and invited to again take the lead. Thousands of people must have been listening in over Australia. It was stated that. _ the public of Rosehill in the vicinity • of the broadcasting station had subscribed over £SO. As indicating the distance reached, it was also mentioned that at Wagga in Victoria, Jwndveds of people in the streets were

listening to the loud speaker description of the flight, and following the appeal a subscription was being taken up. At the time of advising tlio amount in hand was over £5.

The story of the flight indicated that the Southern Cross made good progress and wonderful navigation was displayed hv Captain Lyon who never deviated more than two miles from his set course. This was remarkable, particularly as a terrific storm was incurred and for an hour and a half the aeroplane battled through terrific conditions. There were numerous air pockets, and on occasions the plane dropped 400 or 500 feet. Speed was reduced materially. It was not possible to use the wireless, otherwise than to send on a continuous signal. The weather was bitterly cold and the whole conditions most trying. The aeroplane came through the ordeal to encounter a head wind, and progress was hampered somewhat.

The announcer gave great praise for the ability and resource of the wireless operator. During the height of the storm he stijek to bis post and for IOV hours was continually at the machine. AA'here possible Ulm in bis cheery optimism sent on most cheerful messages, and greetings to friends at Suva and Honolulu were also morsed. About 1 n.m., plane time, the Southern Cross was 700 miles from Brisbane, and at 3 a.m. the distance had been reduced to 500 miles. At 7.30 New. Zealand time the distance given was about 200 miles, and the plane was expected to reach Brisbane about 8.30 or 8.45, Australian time. After 7.30 o’clock this morning the reception from Australia weakened, and the story was not picked up as easily.

It was evident, however, that the greatest interest was being taken in the feat. All Australia, must have been up early to learn the latest news. The announcer of 2BL accomplished a great feat on his long night vigil and iisteners-in within liaij must have been grateful to him for the pleasant way he told his story, and the resource with which he kept up interests in his theme. Those who were fortunate to be listening in heard a stirring account of a pioneer story in aviation which opens a fresh page in aerial history. Ihe o\cnt is of great historic interest, and it can well he understood how demonstrative the reception will be accorded to the intrepid aviators landing on Australian soil to-day! The next stage will be to Sydney where the relatives of Captain Smith and Mr Ulm reside.

AWAITING ARRIVAL. DESCRIPTION OF SCENE. (Wireless front Brisbane). Brisbane signal, 8.47 a.m : —Prepare for broadcast. Hum of machine could be heard. Perfect crowd, no hope of getting microphone near machine. Describing landing from aerodrome and afterwards from City Hall, and reception. Enthusiastic crowds for miles around, only one thing lacking, someone absent.

Inglesarnt Aerodrome, speaking from ] lor e. The aeroplane will land in a beautifully clear Queensland winter morning, about five miles from city , sight is wonderful. The whole population .is out. It is almost impossible to get anywhere near the landing place. AA'o are in a good position to describe the landing. It is now ciuitc warm but damp underfoot. Visibility not too good at present, but clearing and liojre to see the plane when within 16 miles

away. Numlier of planes arriving to welcome the visitors. Police arrangements elaborate. Many well known fliers present to join in welcome. Riverside massed with people, difficult to estimate the crowd. As far as the eye can see there are people. Mounted police are holding the crowd back. Fleets of motor cars can only move along roads at walking pace. They began to gather from an early hour. I lie Aero Club controls the landing. The spot is guarded by many police on foot and horse. Several planes have gone up to welcome the Southern Cross. Some relatives are hero to meet the flying men with special messages from Miami Airs Smith and Airs Ulm. No sign yet of the plane. Cinematograph and photographers are numerous with batteries of machines to take pictures. A Afoth has just gone up. The Premier and other Ministers are present, also the Vice-Mayor in the absence of the Mayor of Brisbane. Tlie “Guardian’’ fund was- £4,500 at midnight. Other newspapers are collecting funds.' Crowd remarkably quiet and orderly. Utterly impossible to get to landing place with microphone. 9.-0 a.m. Sydney— Governor Sir Dudley de Chair spoke words of welcome in the air. Landing conditions ideal. BRISBANE', this day at 9.10 a.m.— Here they come, escorting planes making for aerodrome and: landing or going back. Four planes in sight, one right up 5000 or GOOD 11, A pilot who l returned from an escorting plane said: “Have not sighted the Southern Cross. Came down fo.r a signal pistol aiM wa,s going up again and would fil’d as soon as the Southern Cross was sighted. Very cold in the air at 7000 ft.”

LATER. Sydney lias just broadcasted (11 o’clock N.Z. time), that the “Sydney Sun” received the following message from the Southern Cross:—Sorry late arrival, hut last night’s storm threw us off the course. Land first sighted this 'morning was south ol Bahama. On our way up now. ’(he announcer stated the piano was-,not expected to land for an hour or ij hours yet.

PROGRESS REPORT. WELLINGTON, June 9. Awanui ’wireless station supplies the following reports of the progress of the flight: “ At 9 a.m. the Southern Cross states one and a-half hours from Brisbane ; speed 70 knots; altitude 1,000 feet; revolutionary 1,530; visibility excellent. At 9.15 a.m. the following was received from the Southern Cross addressed “ Sun ’’—Flight Sydney. It is now 8.50 a.m. Suva time. Tf my calculations are correct we will land in Brisbane about 10.30 Suva time or between 8.30 and 9 Brisbane time. These last* few hours always seem the longest and Smithy and self are just aching fui a smoke; altitude 1000 feet; visibility excellent; air speed 71 knots, just strolling along. (Signed) Him, Southern Cross.”

ANOTHER MESSAGE. WELLINGTON', June 9. The Secretary of the General Post Office has received the following message from the Radio Station at Wellington at 8 a.m., the following from the Southern Cross, addressed: ‘‘Sun Flight, Sydney—Here we are. nearing th,e Australian Coast now in good weather after a rotten night. Me have been tossed off our course so much during the night, that I shall not he surprised if we are quite a distance from Brisbane when we strike the coast, unless Warner can get some radio bearings. Cheerio.” Signed—Llm Southern Cross.

arrived safe. The Southern Cross landed at Brisbane at 10.14 a.m, PROPOSALS FOR FUTURE. SUVA, June 9. • The night of their arrival at Suva Smith and Ulm awoke at mid-night and decided to see if the ’plane was atrip],t oil Albert Park about two })ilth

dred yards from the hotel. Approaching the ’plane they were held up by Fijian police guards, who refused to allow them near to the machine. They returned to their tied.s confident no harm would come to the ’plane with such efficient guards. AA'hilst waiting for the take-off at Naselai Sands, the aviators discussed plans for the ’plane of the future for Pacific flights. They favoured a machine consisting of all wings with motors enclosed in the wings, accessible from inside Che wings and the pilot’s house in the wings, and floats or planes that fold up within the wings when the craft leaves the - water or land.

They themselves arc interested in the idea and ruay develop it. They think the Fiji Islands ideal for Alotlis fitted with ’planes, etc.

FLICHT TO NEW ZEALAND. CHRISTCHURCH, June 8. The Christchurch “Sun” newspaper states that after Captain Kingsford Smith had reached Australia, lie will fly his big machine across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand, landing at the AYigram Aerodrome at Christchurch. On his last lap of his flight, he will he accompanied by the Christchurch airman, S. F. Napper, who was a member of the Royal Flying Corps during the war, when he went through training at the same time as Captain Kingsford Smith, of whom he was a close friend.

Air Napper states that this arrangement was made between Captain Kings ford Smith and himself when Captain Smith passed through Wellington as lie was going to America. Air Napper states that Captain Smith promised that ho would leave Australia for New Zealand about a week after he landed there. REPORTED SAFE. .MESSAGE FROM ITALIA.. NEW YORK, June 7. News from Altoona (Pennsylvania) states: A.lr Clyde Arnos, an amateur radio operator, has reported the reception from General Nobile, of a message on 33.35 metres. The message is as follows: “5.0.5.! 5.0.5.! 5.0.5.! Nobile—No shelter remains, except the Italia, which is crushed against a mountain. Our position is 84—15—10 degrees north ; 15 —20— ■lO degrees east. Tlie temperature is freezing. Rush food. All are alive. Several are injured. We have heard no calls. Wc will l>e on tlie air again. OfiOO G.N.T. S.P.S. S.P.S. S.P.S. R.A.O. R.A.O.—Nobile.” This message lias not been received elsewhere, and it is not confirmed. ALr Amos said be would remain, on the air. LOCATION NOT YET KNOWN. ROME, June 8. The “Citta tli Alilano” reports that after making regular periodical wireless calls to the “Italia,” she has heard .signals that were recognisable as coining from the dirigible, includi the word “Franquoseo.” The “Oita di Alilano” enuti.eios hrr attempt to ascertain tin- Ital a’s position. ITALIA’S .MESSAGE WEAK. <Recoived this day at 8.50 a.m.) STOCKHOLM, June 8. Newspaper reports state the Citta Di Milano’s wireless operator picked up a message yesterday, which, from the way it was sent he recognised as from the Italia’s wireless operator, Biagi. It was too-weak to Ik? decipherable. 'l’lie Citta Di Alilano asked for a repetition and again beard the signals which were too weak.

AAII'XDSF.X’S VIFAYS. OSLO, June 8. In reference to a cable from New York reporting an American 'amateur had picked up the Italia's wireless signals. Amundsen thinks the direction and position indicated does not seem probable, being too far north. In bis belief tlie Italia travelled in an eastern direction. MARCONI’S LATEST. LONDON, Juno 7. Important developments are expected in connection with wireless communication. Signor Alarconi is completing experiments that are directed towards the simultaneous transmission of telephony and telegraphy by the trans-Atlantic beam apparatus, which operates two high-speed telegraph circuits simultaneously, and one duplex telephone circuit with tlie same transmitter aerial, and the one wave-length for all three circuits. The date of the installation will he settled after a discussion with the Post Office. The experiments have resulted in perfectly hearing speakers in Canada and in England, despite a simultaneous telegraph service.