TASMAN SEA FLIGHT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3817, 12 July 1928, Page 3

TASMAN SEA FLIGHT.

PREPARING SOUTHERN CROSS

CONFIDENCE IN MACHINE.

In order to overhaul the Southern Cross, in which SquadronLeader Kingsford-Smith and his three companions performed the wonderful trans-Pacific flight, there passed through Suva on the steamer Ventura, on his way to Sydney, Air Cecil Alaidment, who has been sent to Australia by the firm which builds the engines with which the monoplane was equipped. Air Alaidment was the engineer in charge of the engines before the flight was commenced, and he, tuned them up on the last night in America. He is an Englishman, and lie served for three and a-lmlf years with the Royal Air Force in France. He is a trusted member of the firm’s staff, for it was he who was detailed to tour America as mechanic with Colonel Lindborg, his plane using similar engines to those of the Southern Cross.

The orders given to Air Alaidment are to have the engines overhauled and to stand by the plane in anticipation of furtlier long-dist-ance flights such as (he trip to Perth and the long ocean flight to New Zealand. He expressed every confidence in both the airmen and the engines. He said that if the Southern Cross ever leaves Australia for New Zealand, New Zealanders “can bet their boots it will get there.” HOP OFF FOR NEW ZEALAND ANY TIAIE NOW'. LANDING AT CHRISTCHURCH. The Wfellington manager --of the Atlantic Union Oil Company (Air. AY. Martin) received cabled advice from Sydney yesterday stating that Captain Kingsford Smith’s (light from Australia to New Zealand might start at any time now. It was stated also that Christchurch had been chosen as the landing place. • A Press Association message from Christchurch states that no definite, word has been received as to what hour the flyers intend to leave and land. It is presumed that Captain Smith and his companions will commence the flight as soon as the weather conditions are favourable.