CHICHESTER’S FLIGHT

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 109, 1 February 1930, Page 11

CHICHESTER’S FLIGHT

INCIDENTS RELATED INTERVIEW BROADCAST ENGLAND-AUSTRALIA AIR SERVICE (United Press Association.— By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Rec. January 31, 9.5 p.m.) Sydney, January 31. Mr. Chichester slept In late this morning. The long flights in steamlug tropical heat took toll of his strength. He is -staying at Wentworth Hotel, Sydney, and will depart for New Zealand probably next Friday, the machine going with him. He broadcast to-night from 2BL station Incidents of his flight. New Zealanders here in collaboration with the Aero Club are arranging a Savflge Club welcome for next Wednesday night. Chichester had lunch to-day with Dr. Purdy, president of the New Zealand Association. About 10.30 o’clock last night station 2YA Wellington picked up transmission from 2BL Sydney, and it was announced by the latter that Mr. Chichester, the New Zealand aviator, was about to be interviewed in the Sydney station s studio and the interVies' would be rebroadcast by 2YA Wellington. The rebroadcast was somewhat marred, not only by static, but also by local electric power circuit Mrf Chichester described his crash in Tripoli, and his kind treatment there. He mentioned that the worst weather was experienced crossing the Java Straits. Mr. Chichester said that the work of .arranging for refuelling along his proposed ‘route occupied five weeks, lhe weather from Darwin across Queensland was excessively hot, and it was difficult to navigate the backblocks owing to the heavy rains obliterating the roads. _ He remarked facetiously that he had omitted to be passed by the Customs in Egypt. Mr. Chichester expressed the opinion that as the Dutch were about to start an aeroplane service between the East Indies and Holland, there was no reason why a service should not be conducted between Australia and England. He thought that the latter service '®is bound to come, and if the Australian Government would give its support the service could be inaugurated in IB_ months. Mr. Chichester was of the opinion that a flying boat was the best type for the service, and it should have a speed of about 1-0 miles per hour. This would enable the voyage between Sydney and England to be accomplished within three weeks. Mr. Chichester said he was feeling exceedingly fit, and hoped to leave Sydney next week for- Wellington.