AVIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 14 June 1928, Page 2

AVIATION

NEWS OF ITALIA.

Australian Press Assn.—United Service

THE CREAA’ SCATTERED. LONDON, June 13.

The latest message received by the supply steamer “Citta di Alilano” confirms the reports as to there being scattered groups of tlie Italia’s castaways. Three of the men have been en route for ten days for Cape North on a desperate march across roughly one hundred miles of treacherous ice. Four of them remain at the wireless post, including two who are badly injured. Three more of the men are trekking towards the ship “Hobby.” Seven of the crew are missing with the derelict airship. There are the motor engineers, the journalist Signor Ugohago, and an Italian and a Czechoslovakian scientist', who are not named. Tlie wireless operator of the Italia, Zittn, says that he is able to hear the wireless from the ship clearly, but a day or two will see the end of the transmitting accumulators. This fact will render the rescue operations far more difficult than if the crew of the airship had remained together.

RESCUE SHIPS. LONDON, June 13

Latest news from King’s Bay states that:the steamer Braganza has been freed from the ice, and she is now returning here in order to refuel, after which she will leave immediately for Northeastlnnd to attempt the rescue of the Italia’s men. She will take off Riiser-Larsen and his aeroplane from the steamer “Hobby.” At Tromsoe, the steamer “Quest” with a Norwegian rescue party aboard, is going to King’s Bay. There is also a Swedish rescue ship carrying three aeroplanes, setting out for King’s Bay. NOBILE’S REPORT OF DISASTER. (Received this day at. *3 a.m.) ROME, June 13. Nobile was able to transmit an official report, owing to the complete re-establishment of wireless with the Citta di Milano. The position yesternight was 80.38 north, 26.55 east. The report states at 10.30 on the morning of 25th May the Italia was flying smoothly at a height of five hundred metres, when she suddenly became heavy and uncontrollable and rapidly descended. Two minutes later she hit an ice pack and the cabin and part of tke upper steel work was detached. The rest of the airship was carried off eastwards. The occupants of the cabin scrambled out at their joyous escape, shouting “viva Italia.”

POSITION OF NOBILE’S AIEN, ROME, June 13

Nobile discloses that on the evening of 30th Aray Commandants Alnraniio, Zappi (Swedish scientist) and Malingren, set out on foot to reach North Capo, North East Land, at the rate of ten kilometres daily. His party included the Czecho-Slovakian scientist, Behounek, Engineers Cecioni, Troiani. Lieutenant A T igrieri and AVirelesser Biagi. Those adrift in the airship should bo able to survive at least a trimester (a period of at least three months).

Central News reports from King’s Bay, ex-Hobby—A violent snowstorm anil north-west gale is raging. There are grave fears for the safety of the trio of trekkers.

PJjSA, June 13

Courtney left at- dawn in the Dorniereval seaplane, Lisbon-ward preparatory to an Atlantic flight via Azores.

ON FLIGHT TO INDIA. BAGHDAD, June 12

Aeroplane “Princess Xenia” -has reached Busliire after having covered 3278 miles, out of her outward journey of 4434 miles. The pilot, Barnard, telegraphed the “Daily Express,” saying that they had had splendid conditions from Aleppo except for sandstorms while crossing the desert. He stated that the Duchess of Bedford took control for many miles, and gave the pilot rest. He adds:—“We expect to reach Karachi to-morrow.”

The Duchess of Bedford in a message, says that she has greatly enjoyed "the flight. The machine was most comfortable, and everything was delightful.