AVIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 4 August 1928, Page 3

AVIATION

Australian Press Assn.—United Service

NOBILE’S VERDICT,

ROME, Aug. 3.

General Nobile, in an exclusive interview, which he lias granted to tho British United Press, proudly defended the “Italia” expedition. Throughout the talk, the Genera! displayed his proud and haughty spirit. He is ready to challenge anyone attempting to discredit the expedition. General Nobile said that the expedition had been worth all the suffering nd the sacrifices, owing to the wealth and the sacrifices, owing to tho wealth search which it will give to the world. No Polar expedition in history had accomplished scientifically as much as this one..

He said: “We succeeded. We need no excuses. I repent that we accomplished our purpose fully. We flew for 243 hours, of which 134 hours were spent in flying over the Polar regions. We encountered meteorological difficulties which tested the fibre of every man. We overcame a thousand difficulties, and, had we continued for three hours’ more, our flight would have been the completest of any Arctic venture. The mishap to the 'ltalia was an unfortunate one.” AMUNDSEN’S FATE. OSLO, Aug. 3. Though the expedition is continuing operations, hope for Amundsen has been abandoned. The result of the Italian inquiry is eagerly awaited, but it is doubted whether the whole tragic story will be published. MOSCOW, Aug. 3. Professor Wise, the leader of the Russian expedition aboard the “Malygin” has arrived, and lie is the only expert who is hopeful for Amundsen’s rescue. He liclieves that the veteran landed in a region where there are bears and reindeer, and that his'expert knowledge would enable him to maintain life for a year. AN ATLANTIC FLY. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) PARIS, Aug. 3. The Poles, Idzikowski and Kubala, left Le Bourget at 5.40 on their transAtlantic flight to New York via- the Azores. The biplane can remain aloft for forty-eight hours. Tt is not equipped with wireless. The food includes, two chickens, chocolate, bananas, brandy and two bottles of champagne.

COURTNEY RESCUED. NEW YORK, Aug. 2.

The “Minnewaska” located Courtney this afternoon drifting helplessly. His radio was spluttering occasionally. He was 76G miles south-east of Cape Racciilicld. Courtney and his three companions, 'wlien picked up, were all well. The Minnewaska will arrive at New York on Monday. LONDON, Aug. 3.

Courtney wirelessed that he was picked by the Minnewaska after a terrible experience. The machine- afired at midnight at an altitude of fifteen hundred feet. Ho landed in flames in a rough sea.

COURTNEY'S PLANE ABANDONED (Received this day nt. 9 a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 3. Courtney’s plane was abandoned.

SOUTHERN CROSS. SYDNEY, Aug. 3

The Southern Cross was unable to take off to-day for the proposed wireless tests, cabled last night, owing to a punctured tyre. The test will be carried out to-morrow nt the same time, and the same wave length.