AVIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 28 June 1928, Page 2

AVIATION

Australian Press Assn.—United Service

NOBILE’S ACCOUNT. ROME, June 27. General Nobile’s detailed account of the Italia’s experiences throws light on the fate of the crew that were aboard of the Italia’s nun. General Nobile says that after the disaster lie watched the dirigible moving off for a distance of six miles. Lfiter on, be noticed a column of smoke rising in the direction of the airship’s drift, which General Nobile attributed to the firing of the airship’s petrol tanks, or to oil fallen from the airship. General Nobile adds that when the gondola hit the ice, the impact was taken by the engine in front of the car, where Signor Pomella, the Chief Engineer, was placed. Pomella suffered concussion. Later on he died. He was given an honourable burial-. SEARCH FOR. ITALIA’S HULL PARTY. ROME, June 27. General Nobile urges that a search for the party that were with the hull of the “Italia” he carried out within a triangle with its apex at the spot where the gondola- -party are now marooned, and the maximum distance t-o the base of the triangle one of 30 miles. Three aeroplanes are ready to carry out the search on these lines as soon as the. weather is favourable. ROME, June 27 General Nobile states that Malgren and party had provisions for forty days. They also had instruments and maps, but they took no tent and no firearms.

SEARCH FOR- AMUNDSEN. OSLO, June 27. An American woman, who has hired the ship “Hobby” for the purpose of hunting in Greenland, has placed the vessel at the disposal of the Norwegian Government. The steamer is now going to the east coast of Spitzbergen to search for Amundsen.

LISBON, June 27. Courtenay has commenced his Atlantic flight and will land at Azores. COURTENAY FORCED TO RETURN. LISBON, June 27. Two hours after the start a broken water-pip© and the strength of the wind compelled Courtenay to return.