A SOLO FLIGHT

Hokitika Guardian, 25 February 1931, Page 6

A SOLO FLIGHT

AUCKLAND TO AUSTRALIA. INTERESTING REPORT OF AIR CHICHESTER. AUCKLAND, February 23. Will Mr F. C. Chichester, the New Zealand airman, who made a solo flight from England to Australia in January of last year, he the first airman to essay a solo flight from New Zealand to Australia, with Auckland as the starting point? Reports have been received from the south stating that his partner, Air Goodwin, had stated that Air Chichester was in Auckland awaiting suitable weather to hop off for Australia, the intention being to fit the machine with floats and carry a collapsible robber boat.

Air Chichester flew to Auckland nine days ago, and he is now at the Hobsonville air base attending to his Moth ’plane. Interviewed by telephone this afternoon, Air Chichester said lie had no definite plans. “What are you in Auckland for. 9 ’’ Air Chichester was asked.

“()h, I don’t know,” the airman re-

plied. “Arc* you really contemplating a trip to Australia?’’ “I really cannot sav anything. I would like to got in touch with Air Goodwin to ascertain what lie really said.” Air Chichester added: ‘ATy future plans are most indefinite. I might let yon know something in a day. or. so.”

“Will you deny that it is your .intention to fly to Australia ?’> Air Chichester was then asked. After some hesitation he said that

he would. Afr Chichester left on a visit to England in A fay, 1929, and, after nine months at Home, lie purchased his own ’plane. After thirty hours’ tuition lio toured the Continent and shortly after lie let limed to England. He left suddenly one morning, saying only. “Goodbye bovs. I’m off to Australia.”