SOUTHERN GROSS FLIERS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3850, 27 September 1928, Page 3

SOUTHERN GROSS FLIERS.

ARRIVE AT CHRISTCHURCH. CAPTAIN FINDLAY MAKES FORCED LANDING. Christchurch, Yesterday. The trans-Tasman party arrived at the aerodrome at 4.30 this afternoon, but not Avithout mishap. Captain Findlay, Avith Mr. Litchfield as a passenger, had to make a forced landing near the iComvay river, 100 miles from Christchurch, owing it is believed to trouble Avith the petrol feed. He made a safe landing. The other tAvo ’planes circled over the spot until Captain Findlay and* Mr. Litchfield Avaved, signalling that they Avere all .right. A motor car left the Wigram aerodrome at once with a repair party and Captain Findlay may fly home to-morrow or come doAvn by motor car. Squadron - Leader Kingsford Smith arrived with only sufficient petrol for a feAV minutes’ flying, oaving doubtless to the heavy demand on his fuel made by the head Avind. Squadron-Leader Smith and Flight-Lieutenant Ulm since they have been advised by Dr. Kidson, the Government Meteorologist, that their best chance for a safe flight across would be to choose a period betAveen storms, since no long period of quiet weather may be expected at this season of the year, are anxious about the return flight to Australia. Dr. Kidson urges them to get the Southern Cross to Blenheim Avithiu a feAV days, in readiness for a hop off. In vieAV of this advice, they fear further storm delays in the South. Lieutenant Ulm, in an interview, Avas enthusiastic about the reception they had had everyAvhere and Avas full of praise for the enthusiastic groups Avho had formed aero clubs, especially the Blenheim Aero Club. Air conditions in New Zealand, he thinks, will ahvays be rougher than in Australia, because the country is more mountainous, but there is no reason why there should not be regular flying here. Lieutenant Ulm Avas specially pleased with the temporary flying field at Blenheim Avhere an excellent runway has been prepared and he declares it is the best he has seen anywhere. It is (1000 feet in length and 3000 feet across. PRESENTATION FROM CITIZENS. OLD PROPELLERS TO BE FITTED. Christchurch, Last Night. The Mayor of Dunedin (Mr. H. B. Taverner) 'called on, the fliers at their hotel to-night, having made a special trip to Christchurch for the purpose of presenting each of the four members of the creAV of the Southern Gross Avith a travelling rug on behalf of the City. Mr. Taverner expressed regret that circumstances prevented the fliers visiting his city and wished them a safe return to Australia. Having a day on the land, Squad-ron-Leader Smith and Flight’Lieutenant Ulm devoted most of their time answering a huge pile of letters. One of their tasks was to inscribe 1500 autograph books, which task they set about, steadily plodding through. Both have stated that they intend making test flights of the Southern Cross before leaving Blenheim. They intend making these tests to-morrow, but the persistent nor-wester has now changed to a heavy south-west' gale, Avith rain. This Avill probably abate before morning but conditions for flying will probably be bad. They state they intend leaving on Friday if the Aveather permits. After refuelling at Blenheim, they will wait there for Dr.Kidson’s advice as to the Aveather and will hop off on the first morning when prospects of settled Aveather are good. The newpropellers, fitted for the flight across, were so badly damaged that the old propellers, which had previously done 7000 miles, will be put on the ’plane at Blenheim.

BROADCASTING THE NEWS. RELAY FROM BLENHEIM BY SUBMARINE CABLE. Wellington, Last Night. The Radio Broadcasting Company has made arrangements for broadcasting reports of the return flight of the Southern Cross to Australia. Station 3YA, Christchurch, will relay a description of the aeroplane’s departure from Sockburn early on Friday afternoon if the weather does not detain the fliers. Station 2YA, Wellington, will rebroadcast 3YA’s description of the take-off. The report of the arrival of the Southern Cross will be relayed from Blenheim to Station 2YA by the submarine cable across Cook Strait on Friday afternoon, the lirst time a broadcast relay will be undertaken in New Zealand by submarine cable. The cable to be used is that utilised for telephone calls between the North and South Islands. Mr. J.Ball, of 2YA, left Wellington by the Tamahine this afternoon en route for Blenheim. The radio technicians are proceeding from Christchurch to Blenheim with the microphone, land line connections and other equipment. The departure of the Southern Cross from Blenheim for Sydney, possibly on Sunday morning, will also be described from the aerodrome, and relayed by 2YA. This will be rebroadcasted by 3YA. All New Zealand stations will remain on the aii- throughout the flight aeross the Tasman.