USE OF AIRCRAFT.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4783, 1 December 1924, Page 4

USE OF AIRCRAFT.

EQUIPMENT OF BIG STATIONS. GROWING USE IN AUSTRALIA. Aeroplanes are Becoming an essential part of the equipment of some of the big stations of Australia. So huge are some of these that even m normal times such a means of transit is invaluable in inspecting the scattered flocks and maintaining communication with the distant boundary huts. It is in the presence of heavy rains, such as have recently been experienced, that the great value of aircraft for statons is realised. The conveyance of stockmen and dogs by air to a tract of country which soon afterwards became isolated through a bil’abong (backwater of river) junctioning at both ends with the river isaved a large flock of sheep from becoming isolated. The rive” had become flooded, and it was impossible to ride across country to the .land on which the sheep were grazing, and, knowing that it was only a matter of hours before the area would be surrounded by flood waters, the station hands were able with the aid of an aeroplane to drive the sheep to higher country before the narrow neck of country was shut off by the billabong. Another interesting use of an aeroplane at Loagreach was made by Mr W. C. Coade, a well-known grazier of Dundee and Sunshine stations. Wishing to inspect a line of 9500 ewes at Terrick station, and being informed that <he recent rains had made the journey by caj-, horse, or, on foot impossible, he immediately entered an aeroplane to convey him thither —a distance of 180 miles. Mr Coade had had .1)01 previously ridden in a plane, but this did not deter him. The aerodrome was left at 7.10 a.m„ Mr W. Clarke, of Winchcombe, Carson, Ltd., the selling agents, accompanying Mr Coade. and the station was reached and the actual drafting of the sheep commenced at 9.15 a.m., although the party had a walk of a mile from the landing ground to the drafting yards. Mr Coade purchased the 9500 ewes, and after lunching at the homestead the return journey was commenced, the actual flying time for the 360 miles being under 250 minutes.