AIR CRASH

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21192, 15 August 1940, Page 8

AIR CRASH

EYE-WITNESSES’ STORY DEATHS FROM EXPLOSION FORCED LANDING? (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) CANBERRA, Aug. 14 Eye-witnesses suggest that the aeroplane made a forced landing without serious damage and that the explosion which followed was responsible for the deaths. This view is confirmed by experts, who found the remains of the aeroplane in a compact mass on the only clear level space on a wooded spur, instead of in scattered fragments as usually happens when an aeroplane crashes out of control.

The machine came to rest against a log 2£ feet thick. Some of those who were first on the scene are of opinion that if the machine’s landing wheels had not met this obstruction the pilot might have made a safe landing. The manner in which the machine turned away from the aerodrome before the crash has mystified those who saw it, as it appeared to be completely unnecessary. AUSTRALIAN MINISTERS AIR TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received August 15, 3.15 p.m.) CANBERRA, Aug. 15 The Federal members of Parliament have reached an understanding that in future they will restrict air travel to the smallest possible parties. Although members of the Cabinet will use air transport when their v/ork demands it they will not travel, unless it is unavoidable, more than one or two at a time. ACTING MINISTERS TWO APPOINTMENTS MADE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyrlgnt; CANBERRA, August 14 To ensure that the routine administrative work of the service departments shall continue without interruption, in spite of yesterday’s tragic air crash, two assistant Federal Ministers, namely Senator Philip McBride and Mr Arthur Fadden, were sworn in to-day as acting Ministers for the Army and Air respectively. These appointments are only temporary, and there is talk of a further 1 reshuffle of the Cabinet before the election.

The House, of Representatives met this afternoon in an atmosphere of gloom to pay tributes to the memory of the victims of yesterday’s air crash. Following eulogies by the Prime Minister, Mr Menzies, and the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Curtin, a motion of regret at the deaths and expressing sympathy with the relatives was carried. The Prime Minister announced today the receipt of messages of condolence from the King and the Duke and Duchess of Kent for the relatives of the victims of the air disaster. His Majesty said he was deeply shocked at the untimely end of men so distinguished in the service of the nation in its hour of crisis.

FLAGS AT HALF-MAST NEW ZEALAND’S SORROW (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Wednesday Although it is not usual for flags on Government buildings to be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect at the death of persons overseas, other than in the case of Royal deaths, the magnitude of the Ministerial losses in Australia and the nearness of the two countries at the present time has led to all flags being flown at halfmast to-day. MR SULLIVAN’S RECOLLECTIONS RETURNED MEN’S SYMPATHY (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Wednesday “The tragic death of three Australian Ministers and the Chief ol the General Staff was a profound shock to me,” said the Minister of Supply, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, referring to the Australian tragedy. “During my recent visit to Australia in connection with munitions supplies I was in close and constant touch with each of them.

“They were very helpful and very sympathetic toward New Zealand and our requirements. I formed very warm friendships with them and was with them at several social functions as well as meeting them officially. Their passing is a loss to New Zealand as well as to the Commonwealth, because of their close understanding of New Zealand’s war problems.” The Dominion president of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association, the Hon. W. Perry, has sent the following cablegram to Sir Gilbert Dyett, Federal president of the Returned Sailors and Soldiers’ Imperial League of Australia:—“We are deeply shocked at the air disaster. Kindly convey to the Prime Minister and the relatives of the victims the sincerest sympathy of the ex-servicemen and women of this Dominion.” The United States Minister to Australia, Mr C. E. Gauss, is conveying official sympathy to the Commonwealth Government.