ACROSS THE TASMAN BY AIR

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 70, 15 December 1928, Page 8

ACROSS THE TASMAN BY AIR

LARGE FLYING BOATS NECESSARY VIEWS OF SOUTHERN CROSS RADIO OPERATOR Dominion Special Service. Auckland, December 14. Mr. T. H. McWilliam, the radio operator of the Southern Cross, is again in Auckland. He is at present on holiday and is waiting for a cablegram from Squadron-Leader Kingsford Smith in reference to a further flight. He expects to return to Australia shortly to link up with bis companions of the Southern Cross. He stated that Squadron-Leader Kingsford Smith and Flight-Lieutenant Ulm had decided to go to America and possibly to England. It would also be probable that the Southern Cross would be flown from Honolulu to America, and in that event he would be going as wireless operator, and Mr. H. A. Litchfield as navigator. He would be informed by cable as soon as anything had been definitely decided. Speaking of the return trip to Australia, Mr. McWilliam said it was very heavy going, and they were all tired out. When at last they effected a landing they were accorded a great reception. He was stone deaf from the noise of the engines, and in the confusion got separated from his companions and went off to town, not knowing’ that he was to have spoken over the wireless. In future flights he thought that a big flying-boat which could ride out a storm would be necessary. “I have great confidence in the machine, howevei-, and great confidence in SquadronLeader Kingsford Smith,” he said. “I ahi sure that with him at the helm the Southern Cross would take us anywhere.” . ... Referring to the value of wireless for navigation purposes, Mr. McWilliam said that there was a great future in store for it. In America they flew almost entirely by the beam system.