A FLYING FEAT

Hokitika Guardian, 8 January 1931, Page 6

A FLYING FEAT

o NEW SOUTH WALES TO NEW ZEALAND o LANDING AT SOUTH WESTLAND e A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT RECORD SOLO FLIGHT. Out of what blue the scudding clouds left in the sky of late over the period of the recent stormy weather, an aeroplane appeared suddenly yesterday over head in South Westland. The intrepid flying man, who proved to be Mr Menzies of the Sydney Aero Club, was sighted first over Okarito, some 80 miles south of Hokitika. The flying machine circle t the township, and then worked north. It was heard from next from Harihari, but in the meantime a landing had been effected.

The aeroplane had lelt Sydney at 1 a'.in. whidi [would be 3 aim. pi New' Z&aland standard time. In less than twelve hours travelling the Tasman Seay: had:--been spanned - •-in - the solo fligbjt and’yVlr; Me,nzise : Avas-,',the .holder of a proud record. It was a great feat, but when it is added' that he travelled; in- ■ the-,Southern • Gross Junion machine that Commander Kingsford Smith ..had. used in his record; flight from England to. Australia, his achievement can be better realised. It was a great performance in such weather as prevailed, and it is easy to believe that the spirit of Kingsford Smith was.,,with his intrepid comrade, and helped him to attain his goal.

]t is said the flight was a stolen one, Mr Menzies, according to the story, had been refused permission to fly to -New Zealand, but ; had been granted leave to fly to Perth in Western Australia. At the last moment, too late;;td check his departure on his perilous trip, lie revealed his plans, hut lie was then rising in the air. and the fates went with him. The world loves a hero, and that Mr Menzies now is. His indiscretion such as it was, will be pardoned, and like Don Bradman, Australia .has. another; [hero .who Can do great things ,in spite of the authorities and carry off his success with a result that is irrepioachablh, at least for the time being.

The story of the flight will make very interesting reading. When the full story is revealed, it will he a tale of courage and resource in. the face of'great difficulties. -When a vpice in the crowd lust night called out, “Tell us about yoiif trip,” Mr Menzois modestly replied, “It was not so.good; it was a rough journey.” The experience locally of the prevailing cold southerlies and squally rain will be quite ready to confirm that statement, for ’it. must'surely have been an anxIdus. time for the, airrijan battling over the sea and in the clouds, with visibility restricted to quite a local area. At times the sun-shone out, hut the .intervals ' were brief, though at J east they afforded a welcome view over a longer range. Mr Menzies evidently possesses qualities not easily damped, and is distinguished by the pluck, zeal and energy typical of the flying men who have made history. Probably it will be said the luck was with him. but like Limlberg who crossed the Atla.ntic alone, there was something more than pluck. The feat was accomplished, by a wise exercise ot knowledge, and' an applicaiton ol rnechaniica! skill and Without all those qualities, backed'a supercourage#:' tberface of’the ..heavy . odds againsElbim>. -the triumphant, journey could bartily been accomplished. The people .last.,night took the hero to of great excitement when he arrived, and he received an ovation which 'proclaimed the highest appreciation of the recordperformance- lie had . placed to his credit: And”, withal, typical again of an airman, he was modesty itself,' being content to modestly acknowledge the congratulations bestowed on him and to answer with equal modesty, the many questions th; exci ing spectators fired at lmn.

The town certainly had a thrill last evening. In a very short time crowds fathered at various points to talk oiei the wonderful achievement, and m "' vel at what had been accomplished. Mi Menzies’ arrival in Hokitika " as awaited with impatience, and fol owing his arrival he was attended throughout the 1 night % a large following. Very little privacy was permitted him, but he was modest ami long s ifering to the end—of such stub a heroes made: On all sides folk were anxious to do all or an,-t Inng to meet the comfort of the visitor, oitil he expressed his gratitude over and oie, again.

The story of his rescue at La Fontaine swamp, about 4 miles from Hanhari, where he made his landing, s ov that those within hail lost no time m rushing to his help. Mr Menzies no doubt thought that the swamp land from the air looked good. But our swamp lands are invariably full of pitfalls. They are always well waterlogged, and as a result of the late heavy rains, were probably as s<xl- . den as they well could be. T e rescuers who were led by Mr Bert Kelly of the Central Hairy Factory, however made their way across the inoiFass to where the ..machine had turned in landing. Mr Menzies was found to be safe, but was in the wet,

and after a cursory examination of the machine had been made, was brought across the road, where [Mr Kelly had the cream collecting lorry. It is understood the machine was somewhat damaged in landing, and a closer examination will be made by mechanics today. The main fact however is that the airman was sale, and he was given immediate succour at a farm near by, when Mr and Mrs J. Hewer with spontaneous hospitality did everything possible for the .comfort and refreshment of their unexpected but welcome visitor.

The news here when it was reported on the racecourse was not crcdite .1 Later however when it was confirm m folk were all anxious to help. On learning of the part played by the driver of the Westland Central Factory, Mr H T. Parry, Managing Director. lost no time in leaving for south, with the i intention of offering the visitor the comfort of a closed car in lieu of the open lorry. As Boss it was found Mr Menzies had changed over to a northern ear. Messrs Evons and Parry were introduced to Mr Men. zies by Mr Osmers, Mayor of Ross, at:the post office, and as County Clerk, Mr Evans gave Mr Menzies a cordial welcome, to the County of Westland, Mr Parry expressed his pleasure that the Company’s staff had been able to be of service to the aviator, and invited him to travel to Hokitika in his ear, but earlier arrangements had been made, and the offer was declined with thanks. While standing on the steps of the Ross post office, the cameras snapped, and photographs of Mr Menzies' in his travelling attire were seemed.

Air Alenzie’s journey to Hokitika was not a very, fast one. At Kanieri lie .was ’intercepted, by Mr D. Dowell’s ear. and taken charge of, > and in that vehicle 1 was brought im triumph to Keller’s hotel, where Mr and Mrs Keller received their guest offering every hospitality, though the crowds surged round, and it was difficult to carry on a connected conversation.

AT Tv ELI, EE’S HOTEL. Shortly after 9 o’clock, Mr Menzies arrived at Keller’s Hotel, where lie was welcomed by a large gathering of the public and cheered heartily. He was carried shoulder high into the hotel, and subsequently appeared on the balcony of the hotel. Mr I>. J. Evans, Deputy Mayor, said it was a great pleasure and a highly esteemed privilege to welcome their distinguished visitor to Hokitika. He was sure they all joined with their Australian brothers in rejoicing at the successful termination of the flight. On behalf of the community he had much pleasure in welcoming Mr .Menzies to Hokitika, congratulating him on his safe arrival and the splendid feat he had performed. He would not delay them as they were all anxious to hear Mr Menzies speak, and he now had pleasure in introducing him to the people of Hokitika. Mr Menzies was received with cheers and musical honours, and more cheering before lie was able to he heard. He said he thanked Mr Evans for his words of welcome, and expressed gratification that the trip was through. He was deeply grateful to them for attending in such numbers. He had not anticipated a reception, and h e was quite taken back hv the warmth of his reception. He c ; ould only thank them and say again how pleased lie was to be through with the trip. A voice: “Tell us about the trip.

Mr Menzicw said it was,a rough one, but had been accomplished, and he. was grateful. Cheers were then given for Mr Menzies. with a final cheer for Kingston!►Smith and the Southern Cross Junior. Mr Menzies was then occupied with telephone calls to Sydney. REPORT ON LANDING. Mr Bert Kelly, who saw the airman crash while lie was on his cream collecting run in Harihari district, at once went to his assistance. The airman came down in a large swamp, which from above looked level and green. The ’plane somersaulted as soon as it struck the ground. The airman unstrapped himself and clambered out.

3fr A. Wall, of Herepo, a settler, also saw the airman come down and lie took a horse to his assistance, being tlie first to reach the place of landing. La Fontaine Creek was in ttood, and

they had to cross, this. Mr Wall and one of his employees readied the airman, who was not injured. The machine is lying in the swamp. Mr Menzies was taken to the homestead of Mr J. Hewer, where lie was (supplied with refreshments, and later was taken to Harihari, leaving, there for Hokitika. The airman reported that the. trip across from Australia was a very rough and boisterous one. There was a g re at amount of thunder and lightning. At times he was within six feet ol the sea, while at others lie readied an altitude of 10,000 to 11,000 feet, When over Okarito, the airman dropped messages to point out a landing place, but these were not seen red. He then set out for the north in search of a landing' place; and noticing what ho thought was level solid ground he decided to come down oil the La Fontaine swamp, with the result that lie crashed. NOTES.

On arrival at Keller’s hotel last evening when an opportunity offered, Mr Keller asked his guest if lie had any luggage to care for. Mr Menzies brought a soiled colar out ol his pocket, and added “there is all my luggage.” probably Mr Keller will retain the collar as a souvenir.

Shortly after the arrival of the intrepid airman last night, there was a demand for autograph books.’ A sho]) nearby, was raided, and in a very brief time was sold out, .Mr Menzies to he beseijied Inter at the ■> hotel . for his signature.’

Mr B. Kelly was rather chagrined at the loss of his “fare” at Boss yesterday. as having done so much for the visitor, he would have liked to have completed the journey through to Hokitika.

La Fontaine, swamp where the aviator made his forced landing yesterday afternoon, less than twelve l hours after leaving Sydney, is about four miles from the main south road at Harihari. The district roads ends near Air Hewer’s homestead, and the plane was some distance from the road. Harihari is about fifty miles from Hokitika. and in the ordinary course that distance would have been covered in less thaivihalf a hour. -

The fact that Mr Menzies was able “to make” New Zealand, in South. Westland, suggests lie must have been seeking Mount Cook as a guide post to locate his whereabouts. Mount Cook in clear .weather out as a. magnificent sigh post'’; for the approach over tjie, Tasman Sea. and makes the West Coast route the safecst for aerial flights West to East. But lor the fact that the tide was in. the mud flats of Okarito would have been revealed, and Air Menzies might have been tempted to land there. In that case he would not have been the first, as a, few years ago. an areoplane when viiting Franz Josef Glacier made a landing at Okarito for petrol, and the landing was accomplished wilhout difficulty.

Air D. Stevenson. Jnr.. took a flash, light photo of the airman last night. Tilt reproduction is an excellent, one. This morning, Air Stevenson leit hv ear for the scone, of the landing to take photographs of the ’plane as it lies in the swamp. '

The airman. Mr Alenzies soon after his arrival’ at Keller’s Hotel, was called by the Past Office officials for. a Sydney telephone call. He was motored to the Post Office, and spoke through to Sydney, and also to Christchurch, also sending a long special cable message to Sydney papers.

Mr "Menzies spoke ibriefiv from an upstairs window at the Post Office about 11.30 p.m., where a large crowd had been waiting for a couple of hours to further greet him. Ho stated he was very , tired, and that fie would further, engaged on his business for some time, and expressed appreciation of the wOnderful welcome given him. Hearty cheers were given him from the large crowd listening. At about ILL! o’clock this morn inMr Menzies returned to Keller’s Hotel, where there was a large crowd, gathered. A couple of flashlight photographs were taken, and after being beseiged by .••autograph hunters, the very tired traveller was allowed to go to his bed. Speaking to Mr Kelly of the Westland Factory, the Airman said, after reaching the coast he circled Okarito and dropped messages containing a request he should l>e pointed out a landing, but evidently the messages were not picked up or misunderstood. On receiving no reply. ' he travelled north to Blenheim. However as the storm seemed again threatening ho decided to land. Noting what he found out afterwards to be the Harihari flats, he flew low. and with his experience of Australian country thought the toi toi swamp would he perfectly level. The machine in alighting struck the tall flax with the undercarriage firstly and then took a nose dive into the swampy ground breaking the propeller blade and turning on its side, crumpling the tail and aftercarriage slightly. The machine said the Aviator was not damaged much, and he hopes to get it sledged out- to the road and ultimately ’ railed to Christchurch for repairs. THE AIRMAN’S REPORT. Sneaking of his flight, Air Menzies said that lie was about 300 miles out in his direction. He had really intended to make the Blenheim aerodrome, but the weather had diverted his flight. He first sighted the land at Okarito. and then he had flown inland a distance of about seven miles, seeking suitable landing ground, as his petrol was fast running out. He was unable to descry a likely spot, so he followed the coast line northward

AIB AIA N’6 ST AT A LENT

THE GET AWAY

(Australian Press Association)

SYDNEY, Jan. 7

for a distance of about thirty miles, and then decided to follow the Big Wanganui River inland toward Harihari. From the air La Fontaine Swamp, on Air Wall’s area, looked, an ideal spot for a landing, and lie deluded to descend thereon. However, it proved to he quite infirm, and the nose of the Southern Cross Junior went into the swamp, breaking the propeller blades, and the machine itself turned over. He was not himself in any way incapacitated, and as soon as lie unstrapped himself lie got clear easily. Air Menzies said the plane, which he brought from Lieut. Ulin on December 25, was not by any means badly damaged. He lmd decided to take it for repairs to Christchurch, and would next day return to Harihari to see to its transport as far as Boss, where it would be put on the railway and sent overland. He would proceed to Greymouth on Thursday night or Friday morning, and thence proceed to Christchurch, where lie would go out to Sockburn Aerodrome. For some time Air Menzies was quite deaf hut at Herepo he maffe for Air Hewer’s place. Tile residents of that district did all they could for him in rendering assistance.

The aviator said that the winds were at all times adverse on the flight oyer, and at first the winds were head ones. At times lie was flying only a few feet above the waves. The general direction of the winds, however, bore, him south words,_ and there was much fog. as lie neared the land, while the ranges were largely obscured' by clouds. He would be down near the water at one time and soon after was up at a height of thousands of feet, sometimes 11.000 feet. Air Menzies stated that after seeing land lie had at first the idea of flying across the mountains, hut the petrol tanks called a halt. Soon after he landed all hands in Harihari rushed out to meet him, and he made for a house. He then had to see the representative of the Atlantic Oil Company to arrange to shift the plane from the swamp, and come north to meet him at Hokitika. He received a wire later from the Vacuum Old Company indicating they would ■ supply oil for him. The plane lies about five miles from Harihari Post Office.

Seen this morning the intrepid airman Air Guy Menzies stated lie was fresh and bright and as fit as a fiddle after a good sleep and lie had satisfied his want of sleep lor the present. Air Alenzies who had just finished breakfast alter a bath looked in good form. He stated that on the journey, over lie had encountered _ very heavy headwinds, much rain and cloudy conditions. The aeroplane had proved a very fine one, the machine functioning splendidly throughout and not giving him any trouble whatever. He had intended making for Blenheim Aerodrome but the winds experienced had prevented this course being followed arid lie lmd to come lower down the Island. The visibility throughout had been had. There was much rain and wind and at times the thunder and lightning was positively alarming and dangerous. The altitude at which lie Hew varied greatly. At times he was up to ten thousand feet and at others was only a very few feet above the level of the sea.

When approaching New Zealand he was not able to see Alt. Cook or any ithc r mountains, the visibility being bad. He endeavoured to find a landing place at Okarito but the high tide had covered the beaches, so lie then made his way north seeking a suitable landing place and saw what he deemed a, green level patch and de-

'•jppd to come down there, and struck into flax hushes, travelling a few feet and then th - machine overturned, the, pro pel lor being broken off. The only other damage is a strut on the left ing broken and the rudder damaged.

■The aviator stated lie bad been preparing for the last 12 months, studying the weather reports. AY hen he landed he had twenty gallons of ictrol left and was using about a,

gallon per twelve miles. Gratification was expressed at the prompt assistance and hospitality extended by the residents of Harihari where he landed and later he -said lie was overwhelmed by the kindness extended by everyone wherever he had been.

This morning when Mr Menzies appeared on the street he was able to walk up Revel! Street for a few moments unrecognised, and then there was a rush and amateur and professional photographers and well wishers had a busy time. Mr Menzies was kindness itself to everyone and gave every assistance to those so eagerly snapping.

The 'Mayor and Town Clerk then came along and Mr Perry extended hearty congratulations on his memorable undertaking expressing his pleasure at the airman’s success. Mir-Menzies left about 11.30 o’clock

for ITarifiari with a view to getting the machine out of the swamp and transferring it to the railhead at Ross for transport to Christchurch for necessary repairs. Newmans Motos Ltd. lorry also was taken down in this connection .

At the age of 21, (20 years, Guy Menzies, the son of a Drummovne (Sydney) doctor has sprung into fame literally overnight by making a sucessful propping -of the Tasman Sea in dramatic circumstances, recalling ‘•Lindy’s” Atlantic flight., when he

THE RADIO ADDRESS

WELLINGTON, Jan. 7

INTENDED DISTINATION.

WELLINGTON

Januarv 7

WESTLAND’S WELCOME

pulled up at Le Bou r get- with the laconic announcement-: —“l ! m Lindberg.”

Menzies bought- Kingsford Smith’s Southern Cross Junior ’plane on ’Xinau Day, but the fact' that the sale had been negotiated was not broadcast, and the new owner told his 1 atnily that his objective was to make a record flight to Perth. Nothing else was divulged about his plans, and when, late last evening, the ’plane was wheeled out at Maseoe, and the aiininit placed on board two day s food and five days water, with petrol sufficient for an eighteen hours’ flight, it struck no one as being unusual.

Quietly farewelling his immediate friends and relatives, amidst bandinage about meeting “ so and so ” in Perth, Menzies donned his flying helmet and goggles, handed letters to his father and then entered the cockpit. Presently the Southern Cross Junior rose. She: mounted quickly, and then disappeared over Botany Bay, after which, in the, pale moonlight, it must have straightened out on an easterly course for New Zealand. DRAMATIC SURPRISE. A little knot of people at the aerodrome were not aware of this changeuntil the letters were opened. Then the dramatic surprise soon gave place to apprehension.

Still, no inkling of what really happened was allowed to- leak out.:

Efforts were then made to warn the whipping in the sumably this led to - New.;; Zealand, learning ' that the - Southern s:-:Cross Junior was on the wing, and the supposition was Kingsf'ord Smith l was piloting it.

. AIRMAN’S MOTHER.

SYDNEY PAPERS IN IGNORANCE

The -Sydney newspapers were equally unaware of the sensation originating right under their noses, till hum- calls from New Zealand awoke- them to active enquiry. NO PER MSS lON NEEDED. No permission to make his flight was sought- from the Civil Aviation Department, and Superintendent Burgess says that none was actually needed, as no lives were at stake other than the pilot’s. He said that the matter had been, reported to headquarters, but Superintendent Burgess doubted if any action would be taken.

t’Bj Telegraph—Per Press Association >

By radio, from the Post Office at Hokitika, through -Station 3YA, Christchurch, Pilot Menzies said:—“The trip over was rather trying, and the weather wris rough. I had had luck in landing, hut that was not a serious matter.” Ho said: “1 will have the machine ready again in a couple of days. 1 will then he coming over to Christchurch. I will be a couple of days getting the machine ready for the hop. I- will be in Ne-ir Zealand four or five weeks, and I will spend a considerable part of the time in Christchurch, where 1 have a number of friends. lam very tired, and you will have to excuse the brevity of my remarks. Good night to you.’"

It was believed locally that the aviator, Menzies, was making for Wellington; and, although his departure from Sydney was practically unannounced and but few people in Wellington knew anything of his departure, a--, couple of thousand people, including Captain Stedman .and members of the Wellington Aero Club, were waiting at the Rongoitai Aerodrome at. 3 o’clock.

| At 2.00 p.m. a telegraph boy arrived lit the aerodrome with a cablegram addressed, “Guy Menzies, Aerodrome, Kilbirnie, Wellington.” ■ This 'message was sent from Sydney at 11.25 o’clock this morning.

Last evening the Member for Westland forwarded the following tele-

GETS THE GOOD NEWS

./WHAT ULM SAYS.

SYDNEY, Jan, '7

SURPRISE FLIGHTS.,

gram to Pilot Menzies: — I Guy-Menzies,- Keller’s' Hotel, Hoki- ; tiku, —“On behalf of the people of’ Westland, I wish you a hundred thousand welcomes! Your illustrious feat has astonished us,' and the world. Jt is remarkable that you first sighted New Zealand about the same place as Tasman did two hundred and eightynine years ago. Although you came unheralded, you are none the less wel come to the warmest hearted people in the world, the New Zealand "West Coasters- (Signed) Jim O’Brien, Member for Westland.” MINISTERIAL CONGRATULATIONS The Acting-Prime Minister, Mr Ransom, sent yesterday afternoon the following congratulatory message to Pilot Menzies: “The New Zealand Government most heartily congratulates you oil your splendid achievement in flying the Tasman solo in a light aeroplane. I am gratified to learn that you were not hurt in landing. (Signed) E. A. Ransom, ActingPrime Minister.” NEW ZEALAND TRIBUTES. WELLINGTON, January 7 “I would like to express my admiration, on behalf of the Government

STRONGLY CONDEMNED

SYDNEY, Jan. 7

of the wonderful .flight achieved by Mr Menzies,” said the Actiirg-Prime Minister Hon. Mr Ransom, to-night. “As far as we are able to judge, the flight was made with little apparent preparation.* ' We appreciate the interest the flight will arouse in the possibilities of aviation ' between Australia and New Zealand, across ail ocean previously traversed by air, by that great? aviator, Ivingsford Smith and party. We are sorry that Mr Menzies was unable -to achieve his object,.'that he apparently, set himself, of reaching Wellington, but it is our hope, to be able to greet him here, personally and congratulate him on his notable feat.”

Mr Ransom sent a telegram of;congratulation to Mr Menzies to-night.

“A bold attempt brought to a .successful conclusion,” was Wing yCommander Grant Dalton’s comment on the performance. He did not favour long distance sea hops in a singleengined land machine of.the type.used and was of the opinion that the aviator had taken a great risk. “It was a remarkable flight,” said Mr T C, A. Hislop, President, *of the Wellington Aero Club in pay|nj| . a tribute to tire feat. “It is tp,- first occasion of a solo trip across Hie Tasman and is another indication ;,6l the progress in aviation, and”of the fact that where careful preparations? are made, and due care taken, aviatoin is rapidly becoming as safe a method of transport as any other.”

SYDNEY, January 7. ' When a newspaper reporter on the “Sydney Morning Herald” this afternoon telephoned Mr Menzies’ mother saying that her son had arrived in New Zealand, she replied: Thank vou kindly. It is wonderful to know he is safe.” She added: “We knew absolutely nothing about the flight till” Guy’s brother informed us at six this morning. It was a -tremendous surprise to us, and naturally we Were a little nervous. v That is'/possibly why die- kept his plans so secret.W. She was not even, aware that? Guy had bought the Southern Jtinior. ALL SYDNEY SURPRISED. ” SYDNEY, January ?.• The news, of . Menzies’ arrival* iri?New Zealand -whs ipulilislied in Sydney at three o’clock' this afternoon, long; before most people had any knowledge of his departure. ' THE FLIER’S EXPERIENCE. SYDNEY, January 7. Guy Menzies, when lie left, had eight hundred hours’ flying to his credit,—and- laterly he had been engaged in private flying with Captain Holden. PLANE BOUGHT FROM ULM. SYDNEY, January 7. Lieutenant Ulm, sold the Southern Cross Junior, machine to Menzies. Ulm knew nothing >,f the buyer's inicHtibriSv \ . ’ Menzies is the?, son of a 'Sydney doctor and is aged about thirty-four.

Lieut Ulm was completely surprised when told that the flight had begun. He"considered That it should not have been allowed- owing to the unreasonable risk, but said that Menzies had proved 'the machine, so that his chances were good, provided that the weajthOr continued favourable. He said Menzies had told him that He.had no intention of trying the New. Zealand flight' - hut 'that' he wanted to break the Melbourne- to Perth record, and later to fly'- to J a pan. / "■ The evening' newspapers’ Vbjllboards feature the flight. One says: (“Lone Sydney flyer Gosses tin- Tasman, and Crashes in New Zealand.”

The whole City is amazed at the successful accomplishment of tins daring mystery flight by, so-youthful jin aviator.

The comment in various- "quarters while it was shorn 'of sonic -: of its acerbity hv the news of the safe arrival of Menzies in New Zealand, 1 is still definite . -that such Unheralded flights should he discouraged. (No one would deny that it is the courage'of the fliers which leads to achievement, but these‘flights involve a good deal of responsibility and anxiety on' tliel part of other people, who, n,s a matter of common humanity, niust ’ take what steps are practicable to render aid in the case of possible accident. All this entails a loss of time, and much Expense, for no useful pui-pose but simply to help some liair-brained notoriety - seeker on to a momentary pinnacle of fame. AN INTERESTED PARTNER. (Received this dav at 8 a.m.) SYDNEY, January 7. Mr C. A. James who. possesses an interest in the Southern Cross Junr. had a radio-phone conversation with Menzies to-night, hut as the later’s hearing was affected by. the noise of the propellor it was not very satisfactory. James, however, was pleased to learn from Menzies that the plane was not very badly damaged. • i - James sails for New Zealand on Fridav.

The Southern Cross Junr; will be flown to all parts of the Dominion. ;