TASMAN FLYERS

Hokitika Guardian, 11 October 1928, Page 5

TASMAN FLYERS

LATEST REPORT. (By Telegraph—Press Association). BLENHEIM, Oct. 10. At 2 o’clock this afternoon the Southern Cross was taken up on her on a test flight before leaving for Sydney. The flight was made for the purpose of testing certain instruments, and Squadron Leader Kingsford. Smith stated on return, that everything was working well and the plane was In good condition for the fiignt. While the Southern Cross was away on her . lialf-hour trip, Flight-Lieut. Ulm, took the opportunity to- carry out further service course flights in the Bristol fighter. On her return to the aerodrome at 3.30 p. m. tli a Southern Cross made a perfect landing. She has been left outside the hangar in readiness for re/ filling, should the evening’s weather report he favourable for a take-off for Sydney at dawn to-morrow. MAY START ON FRIDAY. BLENHEIM, Oct. 10. The weather report received to-night from Dr Kidson is not considered to justify a hop-off in the morning but it contains the hope of a further improvement. If to-morrow morning’s report is a good one the Southern ( Cross will be filled up preparatory to a start on Friday morning at dawn.

A DECISION TO-DAY. WELLINGTON, Oct. 1. Dr E. Khlson, Director of the Government Meteorological services, stated last night that there was a possibility of-a start being made by the flyers tomorrow or on Friday. The flyers would probably make a decision on Thursday. SOUTHERN CROSS TO START TO-DAY BLENHEIM, Oct. 11. Advice has been received from Dr Kidson that the Southern Cross may take off for Sydney at 2 o’clock today. A definite decision will be made at mid-day.

SYDNEY PREPARATIONS. GREAT PUBLIC INTEREST. - (Received this day at 9.25. a.m.) SYDNEY, Oct. 11. Everything is in readiness here for tire safe landing of the Tasman fliers, if they arrive to-morrow night. The Defence Department is keeping in close touch with the aviators! The public is greatly interested in the newspaper accounts of the fliers’ doings, and the valuable help from Dr Kidson’s Department, h

LATEST DECISION. h. '• .7 ' • ' ' TO START FRIDAY MORNING AT 4.45 O’CLOCK. BLENHEIM, October 11. The last few days’ inactivity of the Southern Cross flyers came to an end yesterday, with the announcement by Dr Kidson that conditions were improving and there was a prospect of favourable weather to-dav or Friday. Dr Kidson at nine this morning recommended a take-off at 2 o’clock this afternoon and orders were given to prepare the big plane for an immediate take-off. She was refuelled and at midday was ready for the journey.

A further report from Dr Kidson at noon was considered, and the flyeis decided to make a daylight trip, and take-off at 4.45 o’clock to-morrow morning, unless Dr Kidson advises against this course. DJt KIDSON’S REPORT. THE WEATHER POSSIBILITIES. WELLINGTON, Oct. ! 11. Although full reports have not yet arrived from Australia, I would say the .airmen would encounter better conditions on the other side of the Tasman if they started to-day, than if they postponed till to-morrow, but the conditions close to New Zealand might be better to-morrow than to-day, said Hi,- Kidson, who added that be was awaiting a special report from Melbourne.

If the start is not made to-dav or to-morro"', a further delay is not improbable. Dr Kidson received a message .at mid-day from the aviators, stating they had decided not to start at 2 o’clock. The start has been postponed till to-morrow morning, and then only if this evening’s weather reports are favourable.