AVIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 3 July 1928, Page 2

AVIATION

Australian Press Assn.—United Service

WILKINS WELCOMED. (Received this day at 9.30 a.m). NEW YORK, July 2

Wilkins and Eilson have arrived. They were met by the Mayor's reception committee which took the fliers from the liner Stavangerford in the city tug. They proceeded to the City Hall where they were greeted by the acting Mayor, McKee.

In response to the greetings, Milkins said: “I can never express my gratitude to American people for the splendid co-operation you gave us. It was one of the greatest privileges of my life to carry the Stars and Stripes to the Arctic and I appreciate the confidence which United States placed in me. Perhaps the greatest scientific achievement of our expedition was the data we gathered on seasonal forecasting. In that work wo were helped immoasureably by tbe information supplied us by Commander Byrd.

Eilson made a brief speed) after which William Mac-Raeken (AssistantSecretary of Commerce for Aviation) told the fliers they bad helped to promote international goodwill. It was a demonstration that men of different nationalities could work in harmony on scientific projects. Acting Australian Commissioner Dow also spoke briefly. Wilkins will spend the week here perfecting plans for the Antarctic expedition whereafter lie will loare I.ilson in charge of the work here and proceed on an air tour of United States.

TASMAN FLIGHT. '"‘eeeived this dav at 9.30 a.m.l SYDNEY. July 3. It is the intention of Smith and Ulni to undertake the Tasman flight at the end of tins month. The expert, Cecil Maidment, is arriving by the Ventura on Thursday and experts to spend about a week overhauling and’tuning up the Southern Cross engines.

AERIAL MATT, SERVICES. MELBOURNE. July 3.

Tile Minister of Defence lias accepted a contract for an aerial mail passenger service between Adelaide and Perth which will begin in April, 1929. The contract is for five years upon a subsidy of seventy thousand yearly. Aeroplanes will each carry fourteen passengers. English mails arriving at Fremantle will thus reach Adelaide by aeroplane the following day.

REPORTED RESCUE. LONDON, July 2. An unconfirmed report from Moscow is current stating Krassin has rescued Nobile’s party close to Fayon Island.