FLYING WEST.

Auckland Star, Issue 154, 2 July 1934, Page 8

FLYING WEST.

FAITH IN AUSTRALIA. RETURN TASMAN. JOURNEY. TAKE OFF THIS MORNING. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WHANGAREI, this day. Mr. C. T. P. Ulm took off from Ninety Mile Beach in the monoplane Faith in Australia at 5.8 o'clock this morning. The weather report indicated fair weather conditions on the Australian coast, but there was a fairly strong westerly blowing over Ninety Mile Beach and the sky was stormy. The sea was rough. Mr. Ulm expected to run out of the bad weather after about 200 miles. The aviator arrived at the beach at 3.45 a.m. from Waipapakauri, and at 4 a.m. the mails were taken on board. At 4.18 the engines were started and were warmed up. By 5.5 a.m. all was in readiness for the take-off. The 'plane had a smooth run of about 700 yards, and then turned and headed for the sea. The start was delayed for an hour in order to take the fullest advantage of' the improvement which was gradually taking place in the weather. Everything went without a hitch, but there was nothing spectacular about the take-off, for which flares marking the course for the run along the beach gave some illumination. The 'plane was quickly lost to view in the darkness, and only by the sound of the engines could it be detected when it rose. The mail consisted of 9891 letters, including 1024 registered.