RONGOTAI FOG

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21212, 7 September 1940, Page 12

RONGOTAI FOG

AIR SERVICES DISRUPTED THREE WAIT AT BLENHEIM (By Tclcgrapn.—ness Association) * BLENHEIM, Friday Heavy fog which surrounded Rongotai Airport this morning caused serious disruption i*n the air services, not only between Nelson, Blenheim and Wellington but also in the north and south services. At midday three Lockheeds were grounded at Blenheim Aerodrome waiting for the fog to lift sufficiently to allow them to land passengers in Wellington and resume normal running.

The first machine from Wellington to Nelson, leaving Wellington at 7.30 a.m., got away without trouble, but an hour later the aerodrome at Rongotati was completely obscured, although the city itself could be plainly seen from the air. Consequently the return trip from Nelson to Wellington could not be made, and the plane put in at Blenheim. An attempt was made later in the morning to make Rongotai, but again the fog forced the plane to return. Plane From Auckland The same difficulties were encountered by the Lockheed leaving Auckland for Dunedin via Palmerston North and Wellington, and it was found impossible to make a landing at Rongotai. The possibility of a landing being made at Paraparaumu so as to allow Wellington to get into the city by train was considered, but it was decided that the plane should put in at Blenheim and await better conditions at Rongotai.

The Lockheed from Dunedin to Palmerston North, also carrying passengers for Wellington, was in the same position and had to land at Blenheim and wait for the fog to clear.