OFF AT LAST.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 257, 30 October 1928, Page 7

OFF AT LAST.

SYDNEY TO CROYDON. Spirit Of Australia's Attempt On Hinkler's Record. FLYING OFFICER A.W.L. (Received 11 a.m.) SYDNEY, this day. •,The aeroplane Spirit of Australia left the Richmond aerodrome at 4.40 this morning on the first stage of the flight to London and back. The ■weather was dull but fine. Captain Hurley and his companions, Flying-Officer Moir and Flying-Officer Owen, were fare welled by a small crowd of well-wishers as the 'plane made a good take-off in the grey dawn. The Defence authorities in Melbourne explain that the reason for declining leave for Flying-Officer Owen is that it had cost a great deal of money to train him and his services were valued too highly to permit his hopping off on a private venture which, if successful, would probably result in the Department losing him altogether. The regulations require that an officer must serve for four years after gaining his pilot's certificate. Flying-Officer Owen had been four years in the service but had only held the certificate for two. His resignation is not yet accepted. He is, therefore, still a member of the Air Force, and it is an offence for him to be. absent without leave. He could be arrested and court-martialled for deser-. tion. "A FREE LANCE." Bert Hinkler Undecided About Future. BRITAIN-AUSTRALIA PLAN. (Australian and N.Z. Press Association.) (Received 10.80 a.m.) LONDON, October 29.

Mr. Bert Hinkler, in an interview, stated that his future was undecided. He ridiculed the rumour concerning hi% engagement by an Australian company flying German machines. "I am a free lance. Numerous propositions have been submitted but I will not tackle anything unless I am to be the absolute director running things my own way. I am not contemplating flying the Atlantic or to Australia."

Discussing aviation, he favoured a Britain and Australia service, using a twin-engined machine carrying tec passengers and taking about a fortnight with ten landings. Flying mainly at night would allow sight seeing and minimise monotony. He estimated the return fare at between £600 and £800. Such a scheme would link up the Australian capitals, facilitate trade and popularise .the toncjst traffic. He was convinced the aeroplane would outclass the -airship..

THE AIR MIND. Huge British Concern To Make Flying Popular. AVIATION'S GREAT STIMULUS.! ("Times" Cables.) (Received 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, October 29. Under the chairmanship of the former Air Minister, Captain F. E. Guest, a private company is being formed to develop civil aviation under unified management. The activities include the institution of a net-work of aerodromes throughout the country, provision for flying instruction and facilities for garaging _ privately-owned aircraft. The Air Ministry is supporting the scheme and giving financial assistance on _ a basis of payment for results achieved, thus making the nation airminded. The board of directors will be men with practical flying experience. A "Times" leader commends the scheme. COMPANY'S AIM. STATE AID TO BTART. (British Official Wireless.) (Received 12 noon.) RUGBY, October 29. It is understood that in the earlier years the new civil aviation company will ask assistance from the Air Ministry on similar lines to that now given to light aeroplane clubs, but it will be willing to forego such assistance immediately a very modest percentage ot profit on its undertaking is exceeded. It is claimed by the company that its primary object is to foster the development of civil aviation and the chairman will not be paid.