TASMAN FLIGHT

Hokitika Guardian, 24 March 1933, Page 6

TASMAN FLIGHT

SMITH PREPARES TO RETURN.

POSTPONEMENT OF DEPARTURE

(Per Press Association Copyright.)

NEWPLYMOUTH, March 23

■ 'Hie return flight of the Southern Cross over the Tasman Sea from the Ninety Mile Bench • has -been postponed for two or three days, owing to unfavourable weather reports. The machine will remain at New Plymouth in the meantime. The Government Meteorologist 'advised Sir Charles Kingsfcrd Smith today that strong north-westerly winds are likely to prevail for the .next few days over the Tasman Sea. Such weather js 'usually followed by a calm.

Kingsford Smith expects to leave New Plymouth on Saturday or Sunday if the weather reports improve. The seating accommodation has been removed from the monoplane, and extra petrol tanks have replaced it. An additional So gallon tank was procured at Christchurch, which makes the fuel capacity 760 gallons, giving about 22 hours’ flying time in reasonable conditions. The flight is expected to occupy about 15 hours. The radio telephone installation is completed, sthe"'.cabin. .having .been V made' sound proof, and the airman is con--fid out that communication will be successful. ....

‘ A farewell ball in honour of the airmail is being held" liere to-niglit.

WOMAN’S FLIGHT TO AUSTRALIA

SYDNEY, Starch 23

Miss Batten’s solo flight from England to Australia- is scheduled to begin on April 10.