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Hokitika Guardian, 21 November 1933, Page 4

The news of the suspected disaster in connection with the aeroplane flight to Christchurch yesterday ; caused general consternation in the district, it is the first serious disaster of the kind here, and as the occupants are so well known, it was only natural that the concern should be widespread. The pilot and the plane have been associated in a good deal of flying, s 0 -that Mr J. B. Renton was thoroughly familiar with the machine. He piloted the same machine which left here with two other machines on Labour Day for the flight round the South Island. Mr Renton had Mr G. Tripner of -Ruatapu a a passenger, and on the return the following, day, Mr Tripner spoke highly of the way in which the machine had been handled. On Saturday and Sunday last, Mr Renton flew the same machine from Christchurch to Hokitika via Nelson, having Mi- J. D. Lynch as a passenger. The trip went through without anything untoward, and the passenger enjoyed every moment of the journey. Mr Lynch was keen to return with Mr Renton yesterday to Christchurch, thus manifesting the fullest confidence in the pilot. There can he no question of ability to handle the machine flying in high country. The trouble appears to orginute ill. tlvo bud weather encountered. No doubt at the higher levels the fog was more dense and visibility would be bad. In such circumstances height would he the chief consideration. If the aeroplane was returning as is generally surmised, due to the thick weather, the pilot was evidently seeking for the Terevnakau river as his guiding route. It was probable in this search that height was lost, and the crash occurred. The machine for safety, would require to he at an elevation of fully 5000 feet to surmount Turiwhate. At- that elevation there would he a safety margin of 500 feet, but evidently it was not maintained. There, is the greatest regret expressed on all sides, while the manner in which helpers have joined in the rescue work, demands the highest commendation. The fullest sympathy is being expressed on all sides in the very sad circumstances.