SOUTHERN CROSS

Hokitika Guardian, 23 April 1929, Page 5

SOUTHERN CROSS

POSITION OF IK)DA:

(Australian Press Association)

SYDNEY. April 22

This morning’s messages from Wave Hill indicate that the body found under the Kookaburra plane was Anderson’s.

The position of the plane is about a hundred miles west of Powell’s Creek. The nature of the country is such as to make the chances of rescue for the second man less hojielul. The Darwin radio reports Hit a packhorse party, with black trackers left for Wave Hill this morning to join in the search.

DIFFICULT JOH

TO REACH THE KOOKARUHRA

SYDNEY. April 22

Pilot Drain, who discovered the “ Kookaburra.” says that it will take several days for a camel party to reach tlie spot where the plane is. and it will need to he furnished with supplies by aeroplane, owing to the barren nature of the country.

He says a landing ground could bo cleared near the stranded machine provided that food and water -for the workers were conveyed thereto by plane.

HITCHCOCK’S HISTOR Y. SYDNEY, April 22

The missing aviator, Hitchcock, was formerly a hairdresser, and a gold miner in Western Australia. ITc was invalided homo during the war.

SOUTHERN CROSS FLIGHT

SYDNEY, April 22

An Amalgamated Wireless message states the Southern Cross was expected to take off from AV.vndham this afternoon for a four hours’ flight.

NO WORD OF MATHESON. SYDNEY, April 22

Some concern is now 'felt at the prolonged absence of Captain Matheson in the Goulbiirn .Moth plane, who has not be' reported since be lelt Duchess. near Cloiieurry, in northern Queensland, on Saturday. He expected to reach the overland telegraph line yesterday. Though no anxiety is felt, it is recalled’that this little plane had trouble before reaching Queensland, and a tele gram was sent by the Defence Department recalling Captain .Matheson hut it arrived too late.

MATHIESON SAFE.

(Received this day at 8 a.m.)

SYDNEY,

April 23

A message was received at Sydney last night lrom Wavcrhill that Matheson is reported safe. He is reaching Cloiieurry to-morrow, then returning to his home town, Goidhurn.

BRAIN’S FURTHER REPORT.

HITCHCOCK’S BODY

SYDNEY, April 23

Four planes flew over the stranded Kookaburra yesterday and searched the surrounding country.

Brain states the position of the Kookaburra is accessible to land parties only, through Wave Hill. A car left Newcastle Waters for the scene.

HITCHCOCK’S FATE

APPARENTLY BURIED

NEAR THE ’PLANE

(Received this day at 9. a.m.) SYDNEY. April 23

'Hie “ Telegraph ” says a message from Brain reports there appears to be something covered up near the plane, which may he Hitchcock’s body, roughly buried. Flight-Lieut. Eaton in a report to Major Coleman (Secretary to the Air Board) stated definitely that the body nf ITTtehcock was seen partly buried near the machine.

Brain discovered an extraordinary cavehole in the ground seventeen miles northwest from the Kookaburra, containing water.

SEARCHING PLANES

LATEST R EPORT

BRISBANE, April 23

Brain reports after flying over Anderson’s plain' again to-day lie searched for the other missing aviator without rcsiuf. The water was all dried up and it would he possible to create a landing ground about forty miles westnorthwest of Anderson’s plane. BERTH, April 23.

The air-liner Canberra was held up at Flora Valley. Central Australia owing to lack of petrol, which was sent by petrol trucks five hundred miles from Wyndham. Tt is now reported the trucks are overdue and there is some anxiety.

SOUTHERN CROSS TO LEAVE. SYDNEY, April 23,

Ito is now possible that petrol supplies will he taken to the Canberra by the Southern Cross, which leaves Wyndham this morning, and will land beside Anderson’s machine if possible, “‘he giant monoplane was unable to loav (‘yesterday owing to essential repairs.

AIR MACHTNE CRASHES. SYDNEY. April 23

One of the Air Force machines engaged in the search crashed near Tennants Creek and was wrecked beyond repair. Tin- pitiT and mechanic were unhurt. The cause of the mishap was engine seizurei