TASMAN FLYERS

Hokitika Guardian, 27 September 1928, Page 6

TASMAN FLYERS

DUNEDIN disappointed. (By Telegraph—-Press Association). DUNEDIN, Sept. 26. Dunedin people waited in this morning for the hoisting, of the flag at the' Town Hall as an indication that the fliers had left Christchurch on their southern journey. Although previous reports had clearly shown that the abandonment of the flight was not improbable, there were still many who were hopeful of seeing the men whom New, Zealand had so enthusiastically acclaimed as heroes. As no information was received at the Town Hall in the parly part of the morning, it seemed almost certain that the flight ■was not to he attempted, but it was not until 11 o’clock that official word was received that as the result of bad weather, the fliers had been delayed. Early in the .afternoon a telegram was received from the airmen themselves stating that they had been compelled to abandon tlieir visit. The telegram received from the airmen stated: “Ft is with sincere regret that we must abandon our proposed visit to Tiriiaru, Oamaru and Dunedin. First, particularly bad weather conditions have made it impossible for us to leave Christchurch to-day, and, secondly, we- have received advice from Dr Kidson (Government Meteorologist) informing us that there is a possibility of, our ,' securing fairly good wefither conditions for our return Tasman flight during the next .few days, and therefore' as we could not leave yesterday or to-day, we would ‘be jeopardising our chances of a successful • flight back across the Tasman by delaying here any further. Several test flights with the Southern Cross must be made, both at Christchurch and' at Blenheim, and tlies© will take up all the available time prior to- our departure. Will you please convey bo the citizens our sincere appreciation of the very many congratulatory letters and telegrams .which we have received and assur© them, on our behalf, that we made every possible endeavour to, visit your city.”

: SMITH AND ULM. PILE OF CORRESPONDENCE. ' I ' CHRISTCHURCH, Sept, 26/ The Mayor of Dunedin, Mr W- B. Taverner, called on the fliers at their hotel to-night, having made a special trip to Christchurch for the purpose of presenting each of the four members of the crew of the Southern Cross with a travelling rug on behalf of the city. Mr Taverner expressed regret that circumstances prevented the fliers visiting his city, and wished them a safe return to. Australia, Having a day on land, Smith and Ulm devoted most of tlieir time to answering a huge pile of letters. One of tlieir tasks was to inscribe fifteen hundred autograph books, which task they set about, steadily plodding through'. . iSmith and Ulm have both stated they intend making test flights with the .Southern Cross before leaving for Blenheim They intend making these tests to-morrow, but the persistent nor’-wester lias now changed to ' a heavy swu’-'west gale, with rain. This 'will probably abate before morning, but the conditions for flying probably will be bad. They state they intend leaving on Friday, if the weather permits. After re-fuelling at Blenheim, they will wait there for Dr Kidson’s advice as to the weather, and will h-OT> off the first morning the prospects of settled weather are good. The new propellors fitted for the flight across were so badly damaged that the old propellors, which previously had done 7000 miles, will be put on the plane at Blenheim.

VISITORS ARRIVING. BLENHEIM. Sent, 27. The town is rapidly filling with visitors to witness the arrival and departures/)! the “Southern 'Cross.” Hotel accommodation is at a. premium. The Aero C’ub’s accommodation bureau is hard put- to meet applications. Despite rumours emanating from Christchurch, advice was received from Kinigsford Smith that the “Southern Cross” will definitely arrive at Blenheim on Friday afternoon unless the weather is very bad.