AIR-LINER DISASTER.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 79, 15 January 1936, Page 5

AIR-LINER DISASTER.

ANXIOUS WAIT ON SHORE.

CAPTAIN WILSON'S COURAGE,

(United Press Association—Copyright.) (Received This Day, 10.25 a.m.) ALEXANDRIA, January 14.

Details of the anxious wait for the air liner, City of Khartoum, was given at the inquest on the victims of the recent disaster.

Two ground engineers gave evidence that about 7.15 p.m. they saw what they believed to be the noselight of the 'plane, twice extinguished, after which there was no sign of the 'plane. Captain Travels (pilot of the control boat) on the other side of the landing area reported that the 'plane had not arrived.

The superintendent of the seaplane station gave evidence that he was informed only that the 'plane had not arrived. No mention was made of lights. Shortly before 8 p.m. he decided that the matter was urgent and informed the commander <i the warship Beagle and telephoned "to the naval commander-in-chief, also the Air Force. He then took an Imperial Airways 'plane and joined in the search. Broadcasts were made to all shipping. Nothing further was reported untjl H.M.S. Brilliant picked up Captain Wilson. The Coroner expressed sympathy with Captain Wilson, adding that everyone admitted the pluck he had shown.

MAIL CANNOT BE SORTED.

SOME BUNDLES IN A PULP

(Received This Day, 11.35 a.m.) DARWIN, This Day

Portion of the 3001 b of Australian mail salvaged from the City of Khartoum was so damaged by water that it could not he sorted upon arrival at Darwin. In one bag was a mass of sodden letters, some of the bundles being reduced to pulp. It is probable that other bags are in a similar condition.