CLOUSTON AT DARWIN

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22358, 23 March 1938, Page 11

CLOUSTON AT DARWIN

Next Hop to Begin To-day

“ENGLAND BY

SATURDAY”

Return Flight In Shorter Stages

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT.)

(Received March 22, 11.55 p.m.)

SYDNEY, March 22

Flying Officer A. E. Clouston, who left Sydney at 3.39 a.m. to-day, arrived at Darwin at 2.30 p.m. He made a stop at Charleville, Queensland, where he landed at 6,53 a.m.

Clouston and his co-pilot, Victor Ricketts, intend to have a long sleep, and will continue their flight from Darwin at daybreak to-morrow.

They had several hours’ sleep in Sydney, and arrived at the aerodrome early this morning. They inspected the machine, took their places in the cabin, waved to a couple of hundred spectators, and took off.

With five records in hand, they hope to establish more on the return flight to London. “We hope to be in England on Saturday afternoon,” said Clouston before leaving Mascot this morning.

Ricketts, discussing the New Zealand flight, said: “The reception we had at Blenheim was really grand—it was worth coming across the world to see Clouston’s family.” The Premier (Mr B. S. B. Stevens) said: “Clouston has made a truly magnificent flight. Both Clouston and Ricketts will carry back to England the warmest wishes of all Australians.”

Clouston said that on the return flight to England he wouid follow the same route as on the outward journey, but the hops would be shortened to between 1500 and 1800 miles each.