TASMAN CROSSING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 131, 3 May 1940, Page 2

TASMAN CROSSING.

FAST TIME RECORDED. AOTEAROA’S ARRIVAL. Per Prees Association. AUCKLAND, May 1. Making her second fastest crossing of the Tasman in 7 hours 59 minutes, the flying-boat Aotearoa returned from Sydney this afternoon to complete the first round trip in the Tasman Empire Airways commercial service between New Zealand and Australia. She carried five passengers, about 45,000 letters, including 10.000 from Britain, and about 1671 b of freight, including a number of cinematograph films. “It was a wonderful experience,” said the only woman passenger. Miss G. McDonald, of Takapuna, after the flving-boat reached Auckland. “I have done a lot of flying in Australia, but nothing so comfortable as this. The lights of Sydney, as we circled over it this morning, were one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. Except for one period it was smooth travelling all the way. and everything possible was done for our comfort.” Miss McDonald said she was the first passenger to book for the SydneyAuckland service. She reserved her seat some months ago before leaving for a holiday in Australia. The other passengers were Mr R. R. Kemp, a, New Zealander, returning after two vears in Australia, and three journalists, Messrs W. J. Percival (Sydney). K. Palmer (Melbourne) and H. 0. Browne (Auckland). The flying-boat’s average speed for the crossing was 146 knots. A message welcoming the inauguration of the trans-Tasman air service has been received by the Government from the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs and has been acknowledged by the authorities.