MOTH 'PLANE ARRIVES AT FOXTON.

Shannon News, 17 April 1928, Page 2

MOTH 'PLANE ARRIVES AT FOXTON.

IDEAL LANDING GROUND

The Moth airplane, piloted by Mr Douglas Mill, arrived at the Foxton beach at about 11.30 on Saturday morning, after a flight of one hour five minutes from Trentham. The ’plane effected a splendid landing on what is •known as the old river bed, which is ideal for the purpose, providing an ample flat surface. There was a number of people present to watch the landing of the ’plane, and Mr Mill quickly picked up the ground signals, after first circling a little to the west of the town. Mr Mill left Christchurch on Tuesday for Auckland. He was accompanied by Mr E. C. Studholme, of Christchurch, as far as Wellington. He arrived at Blenheim on Thursday, at 12.55 p.m., and left again at 2 p.m., arriving at Trentham at 2.30 p.m. He intended leaving Trentham for Foxton on Friday, but owing to poor visibility postponed the flight until Saturday. Mr Mill informed the Herald representative that visibility was good except that a smoke haze hung over.this district from inland.

Mr Mill’s object in visiting Foxton was to pick up Mr F. C. Hay, avlio is to accompany him on the flight to Auckland. After taking Mr Hay aboard (Mr Mill having travelled alone from Trentham), the plane took off and made direct for Hawera, where a brief stop was to fce made prior to proceeding to Auckland, which he hoped to reach on Saturday evening. It is understood that Mr Hay is taking the trip with the object of picking up data for an article he has been commissioned by an Australian journal to write touching the possibilities of civil aviatipn in New Zealand.

Mill Arrives at Auckland

AUCKLAND, Last Night.

Mr. D # Mill, who left Wellington on Saturday in his Moth aeroplane accompanied by his passenger, Mr. F. Hay, of Foxton, was compelled to make a forced landing at Kawhia owing to weather conditions. Mill made a good landing on the beach without mishap. He continued his flight to Auckland this morning and reached his own flying ground in time for lunch after a very bumpy journey owing to the prevalence of air pockets.