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Hokitika Guardian, 31 March 1930, Page 4

The achievement of the New Zealand airmen, Piper and Kayo, in flying by aeroplane from England to Australia, has demonstrated once again the feasibility of the feat. There is still much to do in selecting the right tyne of machine and fixing a more definite route. The present flyers had considerable trouble with their machine, and were not too clear about the line to be followed. The difficulties are such, however, that effective organisation would soon overcome them, once definitely applied. The time is apnroaching when the flight will be something of a regular feat, but owing to the great distance, and the possible checks by the way with weather and landing conditions at various ooints. the regularity will be ,a doubtful quantitv for some time. The successors of Hinkler in the great solo flight he made, have not been so fortunate as he, in weather, and he was more free from accidents causing delays. But the same spirit was manfested, and there was the dogged determination to get through and finish what had been undertaken. Jt would appear *Vom the general experience of the trip, that the ordinary aeroplane is not equal to ti.e journey where regularity is essential. The airship lias proved more satisfactory for long distances. Airvoyages therefore on what might be considered reliable lines will be the domain of the airship. For passengers and freightage more room is necessary than the aeroplane can provide, and developments must follow in that dirc"tion. Tt is due to the pioneers wi ll aeroplanes over long flights, that (he possibilities with air machines have boon demons 4 raled. Britain has her two giant air-ships, and these h-v----done successful preliminary flights over England. They still have to venture further afield, and no doubl wid son" attempt more distant, air vovngrs. The present fivers are due at 'Sydney today. Owing to their delay at the outset through misadventure thev have not sought to keep to any schedule, and have Unveiled leisurely, bent on "■eltin>«- +0 their imirney’s end, rather U’a.n falling bv the wav. Tn thus has. fening slowly thev have shown both '•nnrn"e and good and have flic l-pewledga of a som-dUn achievement to their credit .even if it mav rod count n« an actual record effort. Tt is gratifying to find the New Zealanders vieing with others in the great nehievepiont which such a journev calls for. The.time will come when it will he ,0 regular undertaking, but just at pre-

sent the pioneers are blazing the trail, and New Zealand has it« part in the credit and renown associated with that very difficult task.