SOUTHERH CROSS

Hokitika Guardian, 21 May 1929, Page 6

SOUTHERH CROSS

SOUTHERN CROSS ENQUIRY. INTERESTING EVIDENCE. (Australian Press Association) SYDNEY, May 20. Wlieii the air enquiry regarding the Southern Cross and Kookaburra forced landings was to-day resumed, Air Hammond, K.C., disclosed that a number of anonymous letters bearing on the Southern Cross forced landing have been received, but be said that no notice will be taken of these. Licjuteuant Ulm, in the witness box, stated that their London flight was financed by Smith and himself. It was not backed by the Australian Airways Ltd. AWKWARD QUERIES. SYDNEY, Mny 20. At tno Air Enquiry, Lieut. Ulm was questioned by Air Hammond, K.C., about Captain ('bateau’s' telegram that was received the day before the flight. It read: “Weather fine. Drying wind. Further advice later.” “‘Did you regard this ns the final O.K. ? ” inquired Mr .Hammond; to which Ulm replied: “AVo regarded that wire, in conjunction with the wires received previously, as sufficient to enable us to make a start.”

Mr Hammond • Yen did not wait for a later advice from Chateau?

Ulm replied: We loured that Chateau might omit to send a final O.K. Mr Hammond: H your aerial had boon in position, it would have been possible to recall you. Ulm: Experts tell us that was impossible, because we were too far away when Chateau’s final message arrived.

Ones tinned about the emergency radio that was carried on the transpacific flight, Ulm said that Warner, the radio operator on that occasion, described it as so much junk. Mr Hammond.: Then why did you describe it in your book about the flight ns “a groat factor” in safety of that flight?

Ulm: I was not on oath at that time and the wireless peoplo had helped us greatly, and we were not going to turn round, and tell them their wireless goods’were so much junk just because .Jim Warner said so. ' ULAI’S ANSWERS. SYDNEY, Alay 20. At the air inquiry, Lieut. Ulm said that if they had landed at the Mission Staiioii ‘there would liavfe been a certain Crash. The machine would have gone 'Aver wn its nose. " ALr Hammond, K.C., examined Ulm about the entries in his diary at “.Coffee Royal ” (the place where the ’plane landed). Ulm ‘said that some of the entries wore writon under extraordinary circumstances. Oil re-reading it he found tnat ho had written: “They migK get acclimatised, and probably would ho able to walk to Derby.” He now found that that was impossible. Mr Hammond: “ You had neither •’ll emergency set ol wireless noi a nnmer set of tools ? ” IT in replied: “These were not necessary.” Alr T laminoiul: “Sir you would rather 'id'down a tree with a screw-driver? ” ‘Ulm : “T doubt "whether a hacksaw woiild have been much good.” Afr Hammond: “ Is it a mere coincidence that the agreement with your Company sets out that you were to start the flight not later than Afarcli 30th.” Ulm: “Nothing more than a coincidence!” Air .Hammond showed Ulm a pliotogranh of the marooned crew- on tlm mud-flat, remarking how, after the rescue, the Southern Cross crew arrived in “shorts.” stripped to the waist all grinning, and holding Pilot Heath on U.z-ir «V'Mlders. -s- >’ >t the most suitable way (ivosK w" ’ (, <c flies and mosquitoes so Inti?” ’'r Hammond asked. ;'Sim i-v !’•• ' ; “ Flies on Hie bare s i.:.. • your shirt.” (Tin denii'd absolutely Unit there was anything in the nature of a stun about the forced lauding. A CRITIC WITHDRAWS. SYDNEY, Alay 20. ,\f Hm air inquiry, Air Alichael Shanahan, the editor ol 1 Plain Inlk newsuaper, which lias commented adversely on the Southern Cross flight. Have evidence. lie slated th.it his article was based on rumours from the man in the street. He declared that no now was glad to dissociate hiniscll I roiii such rumours. The inquiry was adjourned.