EPIC CHAPTER WRITTEN IN AVIATION HISTORY

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 376, 9 June 1928, Page 1

EPIC CHAPTER WRITTEN IN AVIATION HISTORY

Reed. 9.5 a.m. SUVA, To-day. When the Southern Cross left Naselai Beach at 2.52 p.m. yesterday (2.22 p.m. New Zealand time) for Brisbane, 1,750 miles, on the last stage of her flight from San Francisco, she took off in I,o4oyds. with no difficulty, and had plenty of room to spare. The “Yangona” ceremony was performed by

a large gathering of Fijians prior to her departure. Captain Smith thanked the natives and the crowd cheered. The motors were warmed up for 10 minutes and the plane circled on the taking-off ground and disappeared in the direction of Suva. The fliers we re cheered on entering the plane.

The Southern Cross sent a wireless message at 4.40 p.m., as follows: “To the Governor of Suva. — Please convey to the Mayor, Mr. Henry Marks, and all the residents, our truly sincere and grateful appreciation of all

that has been done for us. We particularly thank Captain S. H. Ellis, Major Joske

EFFICIENT GUARDS On the night of the arrival at Suva Captain Smith and Lieutenant Ulpi awoke at midnight and decided to see if the plane was all right on Albert Park, about 200 yards from the hotel. Approaching the plane they were held up by the Fijian police guards, who refused to allow them near it. They returned to their beds, convinced that no harm could come to the plane with such efficient guards watching it. While waiting for the take-off from Naselai sands, the aviators discussed plans for a plane of the future for Pacific flights. It would be all wings, with the motors enclosed in the wings and get-at-able from the iDside of the wings. The pilot-house would be in the wings, and there would be floats or planes that fold up within the wings when the plane leaves water or land.

They themselves are interested in the idea, and may develop it. They think the Fiji Islands are ideal for Moth machines fitted with planes, etc.