U.S. OFFICERS DELAYED

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29145, 4 March 1960, Page 10

U.S. OFFICERS DELAYED

Fault In R.N.Z.A.F. Plane

The Royal New Zealand Air Force yesterday morning failed for the third time in three consecutive days to fly a party of American army officers from Australia to New Zealand.

The Hastings transport which had to postpone its planned flight on Tuesday with engine trouble and which was unable to leave Sydney on Wednesday for the same reason, yesterday morning was reported airborne for New Zealand but had to turn back. An Air Force sookesman said yesterday that another plane had been sent from New Zealand with a spare engine for the Hastincs The aircraft involved in the present series of mishaps originally left New Zealand with army officers to tour American installations in Hawaii; and is on its way back to the Dominion with American officers to visit Australia and New Zealand. Its first delay occurred before leaving Hono-

n, AS fi the ? outh . Island portion of the five Americans’ tour is due m«nt c n u h On , Monday - arrangements have already been severely curtaHed and all may yet have to be cancelled if the aircraft is delayed again. e

As it was, instead of being in Christchurch, inspecting Bumham and other establishments, the rVrktrh 88 y . esterda y to have made Christchurch airport a “through” stop on the way to Dunedin 8 to itinerary ** ° rlginally Planned evtn n inpt^e ke E XK time of arrival for the party w a g today at Whenuapai. The WoX d o U w to the sth d Li y ght tS ßSment e (terS conclude its Soutt Island Monday evening. lour on