OCEAN CROSSINGS

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 303, 22 December 1937, Page 11

OCEAN CROSSINGS

CHRISTMAS FLIGHTS. CENTAURUS ON MONDAY. NO WORD YET Or CUPPER. Arrangements are now well under way for the reception of the Imperial Airways' flying boat, Centaurus, which is expected to land on the Waiteniata Harbour about 4 p.m. on Monday, after the first commercial 'plane crossing of the Tasinan. No word has yet been received, however, regarding the projected departure of the Pan-American Clipper from Honolulu, and its arrival at Auckland.

Pan-American officials in the city hourly await a message as to when the flight will begin. They are ready for the Clipper at any time—and their slipway and landing stage will, in fact, be at the disposal of the Empire flving boat—but other work has still to be gone ahead with. 'Until definite word is received regarding the flight that work cannot be started.

It seems fairly certain, however, that the Clipper will leave within the next few days, and there is every indication that the promised holiday thrill for Aucklanders and visitors "to the city during Christmas week will be realised. They should see both the Imperial Airways machine and the trans-Pacific Clipper on the harbour together. Civic, Welcomes. Captain J. W. Burgess and the crew of the Centaurus will be tendered a civic welcome at the Town Hall on Monday night, and at that welcome the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, will be present to speak 011 behalf of the Government. Invitations have been sent to members of Parliament, the Legislative Council, Consuls, Mayors, chairmen and members of public bodies, and in addition it is expected that there will be a big gathering of citizens.

The platform of the Town Hall will be specially decorated, and a recital of organ music will entertain the audience from 7.30 p.m. until 8.15 p.m. when the reception will begin.

Arrangements have also been made by the Auckland Harbour Board. A stand and enclosure will be provided near the landing at Mechanics' Bay to accommodate invited guests for an •official welcome when the Centaurus arrives, and there the first speeches of welcome will be made by the chairman, the Hon. T. Blond worth, and others representing the Harlioiir Board. The following day the board will entertain the officers and crew of the Centaurus at a luncheon.

Definite advice is still awaited regarding the landing arrangements required by the Centaurus, but the Harbour Board has expressed its willingness t<> co-operate as far as is required.