TASMAN FLYERS

Hokitika Guardian, 13 October 1928, Page 5

TASMAN FLYERS

THE FLYERS DEPART

IN A GREY MORNING

Last evening Broadcasting Station 2Y.A., Wellington, indicated there was every probability, of the flyers starting on the return flying trip to Sydney this morning and a definite report was promised at 11 o’clock last night. About 11.15 it was announced that the “Southern Cross” would leave Blenheim at 4.45 o’clock this morning, and the Wellington station announced it would relay from the aerodrome at Blenheim from 4.15 o’clock. It was a little after 4,30 this morning when Wellington Station was picked up, extending a cheery good morning to listeners. The station switched over to Blenheim for the relay, and the announcer put Mr McWilliams, of the Southern Cross radio on tlie air. Mr McWilliams was heard in very cheery voice saying an revoir and looking forward with pleasurable anticipation to the arrival at Richmond aerodrome to-niglit. After expressing thanks for all the kindness and good wishes he gave a cheery au revoir in conclusion.

The announcer at Blenheim described the weather as a dull grey morning .with a north-west wind threatening rain. He stated there were between 500 and 600 motor cars assembled all over the paddoc-k. The people were lined for about a mile along the runway. Some of the more eager of the crowd spread across the runway, and a patrol car had to be sent down to clear the route. A haystack was said to form a good vantage point for many of Die sightseers. The rumvay was lit brilliantly by the searchlight taken specially to Blenheim for the purpose. . It was, also annoutioed the two small aeroplanes from Christ church would go up with the “Southern Cross.” piloted by Captains Findlay and Buckley respectively. tlieir mission being to wish the departing guests a final bon voyage at sea. . .

Shortly after it was announced the crew of the Southern Cross were taking their seats in their allotted places, the last good-hves having been said. The machine was brought clear of the hangar and the engines began to tune up. The microphone was near to the aviation party, and? the din was considerable for a time. It was announced everything was running sweetly, and “it needs to.” said the announcer, “in view of 'the trip they have to undertake.”

Soon it was announced the actual flight was to begin, arid the rdar of the engines became predominant. Then “she moves slowly” into the east, and now to the (north, and she is off. The Bristol planes rose quickly one on either side of the Southern Cross. The large monoplane 'moved quickly along the ground and then at six minutes to five, a.m., the \y heels left the ground. In a minute or less she was a hundred feet in the air. The aeroplane turned gracefully and / came hack over, the hangar, and the assemblage, and the engine action working beautifully could he heard, and so the Southern .Cross started off on her return trip. The two Bristol machines accompanied the Southern Gross for about 100 miles.

The earlier reports, sent out by McWilliams indicated a; speed of 49 knotsfl. At 7.30 there was a report of “All well.” .Again at 8.30, the report was “All well.” The speed then was 50 knots, and the flying height 500 feet. The farewell message- sent by Rt. Hon J. G. Coates to Kingsford Smith and party was read over the wireless, and a cordial and appropriate message it was. The time of arrival- at Sydney is not certain. The speed in the earlier stages appears slow compared with the trip from Sydney, but as the load lightens greater progress should be made. Tt will doubtless be evening before tbe destination is reached. The flyers will gain one and a half hours in sun-time on the return flight, which will assist them to, arrive before it is too dark perhaps, but the aerodrome will be well lit in any case.