THE TASMAN FLIGHT.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5225, 11 January 1928, Page 2

THE TASMAN FLIGHT.

INTEREST SHOWN IN PAEROA. NO DEFINITE NEWS. Keen interest was evinced at Paeroa in common with the rest of the Dominion yesterday, when it became known shortly after 9 o’clock that the two New Zealand airmen, Lieut. J. R. Mbncrieff and Captain G. Hood, had left Australia in their Ryan aeroplane Ao-tea-roa.

By arrangemen'i the post office flew a flag on the centre flagstaff, and it was intended to fly three flags if the airmen landed in the Dominion before sunset.

Many and varied were the rumours received during the, day concerning the movements of the aviators, and as night wore on the rumours increased. Owiners of w’reless sets were besieged with inquiries, and many persons stayed up until after two o-clock this morning listening-in for the latest information. A powerful broadcasting set was in operation, at Trentham, but it was difficult to vouch for the authenticity of the messages repeived.

It was stated that the ’plane passed over Foxton shortly after 10’ p.m-, and at that time a heavy fog hung over Trentham Racecourse, which had been selected as one of the places suitable for a landing.

A later message was received by wireless that the. steamer Arahura, travelling between Wellington and Nelson, when off Cape Jackson had sighted the aeroplane, which was then travelling in the direction of Stephen Island, presumably making for Westport, where a suitable land-ing-place had been selected. Up to the time of going to Press no definite messages had been received of] the. aviators.