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Hokitika Guardian, 1 September 1928, Page 2

Tiie Tasman flight by the Southern Cross is now scheduled to begin tonight, with arrival at Christchurch aerodrome early oir Sunday morning. One must admire the care and precision with which Kingsford-Smith has set about his task. After accomplishing tlie wonderful flight across the Paoifile, the .machine was given a further good try-out by the across the continent trip to Perth and back. The Southern Cross is evidently built for such a task as that proposed, and with the attention to detail for which the flying men are so wise in giving, it may be hoped with a good deal of certainty, that the job will be done according to schedule. •Christchurch will he envied by other parts of Now Zealand at the opportunity to welcome the intrepid visitors, hut Christchurch lias risen to the occasion and will do her part well. Very elaborate preparations have been made for the reception, the organisation extending to every possible detail, and there will he not any doubt about the warmth of the welcome extended. The mission < the Southern Cross is to demonstrate the practicability of the flight. Of the many oversea routes’ the Tasman Sea is the only one of importance not covered by an aerial flight. The attempt made previously was a tragic failure, hut at least it was a forewarning and we may ho sure the lesson lias not been lost oil adventurous flying men. The lesson was to prepare, and that safeguard seems to be the first consideration of those in charge of the Southern Cross. Other projects for crossing the Tasman by aeroplane are on the tapis, and it is quite on the cards apparently that a company will undertake the matter as a commercial proposition. That will he the ultimate result, no doubt, as flying is made more and more secure, and we may expect at no very distant date that aerial communication will lie a regular -means of transit between Australia and New Zealand. The Southern Cross is to he the pioneer, and all good wishes will lie extended. It is gratifying that two New Zealanders accompany the two Australians. It is a happy combination. The story of the flight will lie told en route, as was the voyage across the Pacific. It will he greatly interesting and entertaining to keep track of the voyagers, and watch out for them as they pass over AVestland shortly after mid-day on Monday for the navigator is sure to be on the look-out for Alount Cook as a direction sign.