TRANSTASMAN FLIGHT.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 164, 13 July 1928, Page 5

TRANSTASMAN FLIGHT.

WEATHER PROSPECTS POOR.

AIRMEN'S PLANS UNKNOWN.

UNLIKELY TO START AT ONCE

I 'By Telegraph.-—Own Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, Thursday

The director of meteorological services, Dr. E. Kidson, stated to-day that although the Southern Cross airmen had indicated that they were ready to leave at any time, he did not think the flight would commence at once. At any rate, the New Zealand weather office had not yet been asked to supply special reports, whereas prior to the original take-off from California special reports had been asked for and sent.

The conditions were not too promising at present, said Dr. Kidson. A westerly depression was centred over the Tasman Sea, which would mean favourable winds generally, but there would probably be a considerable amount of fair and heavy clouding, bringing about poor visibility. Arrangements have been made for the rebroadcasting from the Wellington station, 2YA, of messages sent out from the Southern Cross from the commencement of the flight. A description of the landing will be broadcast from Christchurch and rebroadcast from 2YA.

Mr. W. Martin, New Zealand manager for the Atlantic Union Oil Company, has cabled to Squadron Leader Kings ford Smith asking for particulars of his New Zealand programme.

Mr. Martin said to-day he was rather disappointed that the landing was not to be made at Wellington, but it was considered that no really suitable land-ing-place was available. The Trentham racecourse was the most likely field, in fact, the only one, but a good deal would have had to be done to bring it up to suitable condition. The very heavy rains recently had not improved it.