SOUTHERN CROSS

Hokitika Guardian, 23 May 1929, Page 5

SOUTHERN CROSS

McWILLIAMS’ STATED I ENT

; Australian Press Association) (United Service.) SYDNEY, May 22. Radio Operator McWilliams,' in his evidence at the Air Enquiry, agreed with Mr .Stannage’s statement in New Zealand that the • Southern Cross emergency wireless set was useless. When Counsel quoted Mr Stannage’s statement that the set on the air liner “Canberra” was the most wonderful in the world, McWilliams replied: .“Tliero must be two most wonderful sets in.the world then, because we had one’too!” McWilliams declared that there was no foundation for the suggestion that the forced landing was premeditated, and no attempt was made at “Coffee Royal” to obscure the Southern Cross.

MfWilli ams was asked whether he agreed with Stannagc’s further statement that it was impossible to hear signals on the Canberra owing to the noise of the engines. 'Witness sajd: “If he complains of the noise on the Canberra, what had we to contend with in the Southern Cross with three engines?” Witness added lie was not concerned with the weather conditions about, the time that the flight started. He was content to leave that to his leaders. He did not inquire about the emergency rations, because he believed that they were in the plane. He was a salaried officer, and lie had nothin" to gain or lose. He had complete confidence in the leaders. , Witness thought that the only way to make flying safe was by radio beacons. Hector .Tames, engineer to the New Systems Telephones, said that he could make no practical suggestions concerning the emergency wireless, though he, was still studying it. CAPTAIN CHATEAU. SCOUTS THE SUSPICIONS. SYDNEY, May 22. • At the enquiry ) Captain Clive Chateau gave evidence that he had sent a telegram from "Wyndham on March 29th to the Southern Cross crew, say- , ing that the weather was fine with a drying.wind. A few hours later. ,however, rain was falling, with heavy • •clouds. These .conditions continued for some days, Then Jie received a tele- ’ gram snvipg that the Southern Cross had left. Witness then despatched another telegram, expressing his alarm, and giving a fresh synopsis of the. weather. • Captain Chateau declared that it was quite. absurd to look upon the Southern Cross’s forced landing as a prearranged affair,,.They had landed in what was probably the roughest country he ever saw. Commander Murray, Inspector of Aerodromes, forwarded a statement, which was read. The writer intimated that when he arrived at “Coffee Royal,” the Southern Cross crew were showing distinct traces of thcii ordeal. They were on the point of starvation. No man in his sane senses would ever attempt to land in siicE{a'.'place, and'not even within 50 miles of the spot. The inquiry was adjourned.