TRANS TASMAN FLIGHT

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 86, 10 January 1928, Page 8

TRANS TASMAN FLIGHT

FURTHER DELAYED

IMPOSSIBLE TO COMMENCE TO-DAY WEATHER TOO UNSETTLED BY Telegraph.—press association. Copyright. (Rec. January 9, 7.40 p.m. ) Sydney, January 9. After conferring with the Weather Bureau officials, Lieut, enant Moncrieff announced that it had been decided that it would be impossible to commence the flight to-morrow, lite weather over the Tasman was still too unsettled, and the airmen would strike squally head winds; therefore it was decided to wait until later in the week. > SOUTHERLY WINDS ON WESTERN SIDE Sydney, January 9. The actual hour of the departure of the New Zealand fliers will be kept a secret, besides being dependent upon the state of the weather. The Observatory, issuing special weather reports in connection with the flight, says that strong southerly winds and rough weather prevail over the western half of the Tasman Sea. While these conditions prevail it is unlikely that a start will be made, as the jump-off will be made at 2 o’clock in the morning. Captain Kight has promised the Press Association to advise them on the night previous to the morning chosen to make the departure.

WEATHER CONDITIONS FAVOURABLE INDICATIONS As was forecasted in The Dominion yesterday, unfavourable weather conditions prevented a start on the transTasman flight yesterday. There was a distinct improvement in the weather in New Zealand and the eastern part of the Tasman Sea yesterday, and the indications are more promising for today.

Dr. Kidson, Government Meteorologist, who is sending fuller reports for the guidance of the airmen than those

usually sent to Australia, expressed the opinion that fine weather, with a comparative absence of wind, will prevail ever.the Tasman Sea to-day. The aviators may, however, prefer to wait for a favourable westerly wind to assist their flight.

The transport .arrangements for the convenience of those desiring to go to Trentham still hold good, but if the flight is not made to-day it may possibly be postponed till Thursday. To-morrow the annual picnic of the Wellington Waterside Workers’ Union will be held at Trentham racecourse, and apart from its being interfered with by large crowds of sightseeers, there would be a large element of risk in attempting a landing during the progress of the picnic. GLORIOUS WEATHER THIS END CONDITIONS AT WESTPORT By Telegraph.—Press association. Westport, January 7. Keen interest is being taken in Westport in the Tasman flight. For weeks past, with the exception of one day, the weather has been gloriously fine, with cloudless skies as far over the Tasman as the eye can see. If the aviators could only pierce the fringe of the rough weather on the Australian coast, it looks as if they would run ijito ideal conditions approaching New Zealand. Should they reach Westport in the afternoon they will have a good landing ground on North Beach, where Captain Buckley and Henderson made their tak-ing-off and landing-place during a prolonged visit to Westport. “BY NEW ZEALANDERS FOR NEW ZEALAND” ONE OF MAIN MOTIVES OF FLIGHT AIRMEN WILL ENDEAVOUR TO JUSTIFY CONFIDENCE Dannevirke, January 9. Mr. A. McNicol, trustee of the Tasman flight fund, has been asked by the airmen to convey their thanks to their backers for the opportunity they have afforded, and to state that in the venture the airmen will endeavour to justify the confidence reposed in them. Mr. McNicol states that Lieut. Moncrieff and Captain Hood have entered on the venture at considerable personal sacrifice. They are both working mechanics, and the money subscribed for the flight, after meeting the heavy cost of the machine, has not permitted much to be allotted to, meet their personal expenses in Australia. The administration of the scheme has been as economical as possible, and both aviators have had to find money cut of their own pockets. Both meh are married, and their wives have’taken the keenest interest in and given the greatest encouragement to the flight, sharing with their husbands the sacrifice entailed in the venture. Mr. McNicol says that he joins with Lieut. Moncrieff and Captain Hood in their tribute to Captain Kight, who lias devoted time and energy to the scheme, and whose enthusiasm was largely responsible for the support of backers. One of the main motives behind the flight, Mr. McNicol states, is that it should be done by New Zealanders for New Zealand.

WELLINGTON’S WELCOME

MAYOR’S SUGGESTION

Along with most other people, the Mayor' (Mr. G. A. Troup) is interested in the attempt to be made this week to fly across the Tasman Sea from Sydney to Wellington, and proposes to welcome

the adventurers on their arrival at 1 rentham. “The occasion is unique,” he remarked; “certainly it is an occasion on which we should make a special effort to show our appreciation of the enterprise and pluck of these two young men. The least we can do is to be on hand at Trentham to congratulate them. 1 have no doubt that Wellington will rise to the occasion and make their welcome a rousing one. . “Such an attempt presages great things for the future with the remarkable advances that are being made in flying; it may possibly lead to the inauguration of a regular air mail service between New Zealand and Austialia, and later on a passenger service also, so bringing the two countries closer together. “A word of caution should be given,” continued Mr. Troup; “those who got to Trentham must keep within the areas set aside for them. On any number of occasions disastrous accidents have occurred at the conclusions of big flights, even in countries where the public are well used to aeroplanes. Every opportunity should be given the fliers to land under the very best conditions.” Mr. Troup suggests that as many employees as can conveniently 1 e spared on the afternoon of the flight should be granted leave of absence for an hour or so at the end of the afternoon. Many who might not otherwise be able to get out to Trentham in time would so be able to make the trip and so add to the great welcome which he was fully confident Wellington would give Lieutenant Moncrieff and Captain Hood. CONGRATULATIONS FROM CRICKETERS The Management Committee of the Wellington Cricket Association last evening dispatched the following cablegram to Aviators Moncrieff and Hood at Sydney“ Wellington Cricket Association’s congratulations your enterprise. Wish your venture every success. Kia ora.**