AVIATION TASMAN FLIGHT.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 September 1928, Page 2

AVIATION

TASMAN FLIGHT.

FLIGHT DELAYED. (Australian Press Association.) SYDNEY, Sept. 2. The monoplane, Southern Cross, was by adverse weather on the New Zealand side, prevented from starting the flight over the Tusmau Sea to Sookburn, both on Saturday and Sunday evening.

UNFAVOURABLE WEATHER. WELLINGTON, Sept. 1

At six o’clock to-night, the Weather Bureau notified the aviators of noi c,liwest to westerly winds over the eastern Tasman Sea, and over New Zealand tonight and to-morrow, reaching gale force in the Southern Tasman Sea. From Cook Strait southwards the weather was expected to Ire changeable, squally and unsettled, with passing showers.

THIS WEATHER OUTLOOK. CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 2. If the Tasman flyers had arrived today, they would have been welcomed by many thousands of people, feir the day was beautifully fine and warm, with a light north-west breeze. Last night also was clear ami quiet, though a light cloud occasionally dimmed the moon, without obscuring it.

A heavy cloud hank to-dav obscured the mountains of the watershed, then indicating stormy weather, with heavy rain on the West Coast, and this storm area probably extended far to the north. In Canterbury the weather was perfect.

For to-morrow the .prospects are definitely worse. Usually at this season a north-western is followed by a souwester, with cold rain. There are indications this afternoon that the wind may swing round this evening. .

TO-DAY’S PROSPECTS. WELLINGTON, Sept. 1. Dr Kidson, the Now Zealand Government Meteorologist states that the weather conditions are still unfavourable for the flight aoross the Tasman Sea. His forecast, sent to the airmen early tnis afternoon states: “An intensive and extensive depression still covers the Tasman Sea, and is advancing towards New Zealand. There still are strong northerly to westerly winds, reaching gale force south of Capo Egmont and Napier and over the Central and Southern Tasman Sea. The winds arc backing to south-west soon in the west Tasman Sea, and extending to east Tasman ,Soa, and New Zealand during Monday. The weather is unsettled and squally, with much cloudiness and heavy showers.’’

Another report will be sent to the airmen later.

FLIGHT POSTPONED. WELLINGTON, Sept. 1. The flight has been postponed. Nothing definite till to-morrow. FURTHER POSTPONED. WELLINGTON, Sept. 2. Doctor Kidson, in his final weather forecast to the airmen stated the earlier predictions still Hold good and the weather was unsuitable for flying. A local station this evening picked up a message stating the flight was postponed. CLERG YMEN OBJ ECT. CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 1. The Mayor of Christchurch, Itev. J. K. Archer, replying to a deputation this morning from the Christchurch Ministers’ Association, undertook to send a cablegram immediately to Kingston! Smith embodying a protest from the Association against the arrival of the Southern Cross hero on Sunday.

Mr Archer added that, personally, ho would not take any part in the welcome on Sunday, nor would he allow himself to lie represented by anyone.

PREMIER'S CABLE TO FLIERS AVELLTNGTON, Sept. 1.

The following cabegram was sent by the Prime Minister to Captain Kingsford Smith, Sydney:—The New Zealand Government extend a cordial invitation to yourself and companions to lie our guests during your stay in the Dominion. Hon Mr Rolleston, Minister of Defence, will officially meet you on arrival. We send you our best wishes for a safe and successful journey.

The Minister of Defence will leave for Christchurch to-night, and will officially .represent tho Government at the blinding of the airmen. THE POSTPONEMENT. SYDNEY, Sep. .‘i.

As a result of reports of stormy conditions off tho New Zealand coast, Kingsford Smith, late in the afternoon, decided to postpone his flight indefinitely. He is unlikely to attempt tho journey to-morrow, but will start at the first favourable opportunity thereafter, independent of the moon. latest news. TO START TO-NIGHT. CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 3. A short wave radio from 3L.0. Melbourne this morning announced the Southern Cross was leaving at six o’clock to-night.

FLY STOPPED. PARIS, Sept. 1. The brothers Arrachart, started from La Bourget for Calcutta in a 550 li.p. Briquet single-engined biplane, endeavouring to create a non-stop record. LONDON, Sept. 1. T he brothel's, Arrachart, were forced down at Strasbourg, owing to oil pipe leakage at 9.30 this morning.