SECOND LEG

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 153, 25 March 1937, Page 11

SECOND LEG

Survey Clipper Plane at Kingman Reef HOP FROM HONOLULU Sun Sighted Through Solid Wall of Rain TRIP IN BHRS. SMINS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.— Copyright (Received March 24, 10.15 p.m.) San Francisco, March 24. A North American Newspaper Alliance copyright message from Captain Edward Musick, pilot of the Pan-Ameri-can Airways clipper on a survey night to New Zealand, says: “Eight hours five minutes after leaving Honolulu we landed in a lagoon at Kingman Reef, ending the second leg of our flight. “There was a solid wall of ram near the reef, but the sun. which was sighted through the opening in the clouds, enabled us to verify the course. Canaday made a masterful job of the navigation. , . “We sighted a plume of smoke from the funnel of the Northwind before the ship or the island was seen through the rain. There were alternate spells of rain and sunshine throughout the A message from Honolulu states that the clipper probably will take off from Kingman Reef for Pago I’ago on M ctlnesday. , On account of the nature ot the suirey work, the clipper is not keeping to strict schedule.

Kingman Reef is a V-c-haped eoral atoll with its apex facing east to the prevailing wind. Its longest wide measures five miles, and the entranee is fo . ur across. There is an area of only 2Wtt. bv 200 ft. which is not awash, and this is 3ft above sea level, but protected by coral-reef platforms. It is open to northwesterly winds, but, with strong moorings, is reported to be capable ot allowing vessels to remain at safe anchorage m all weathers. , , . .. Pan-American s supply ship Noitu Wind is at present at Kingman Reet to refuel the clipper on its arrival. The vessel is also equipped with directional radio, and the ship has orders to remain at the reef until the return of the clipper from New Zealand. The directional radio will be used to guide the plane into a safe anchorage.

CYCLONE NEAR NEW HEBRIDES Advice to Delay Flight If heed is taken of meteorological advice which was dispatched yesterday from Wellington to those controlling in New Zealand the flight of the PanAmerican Airways clipper ship to Auckland, it seems unlikely that the flyingboat will reach the Dominion before the middle of next week. Au intense cyclone has developed near the New Hebrides Group, and appears to be 'advancing rapidly in a south-south-easterly direction ami in a direct line with the clipper’s route. Owing to the lack of a completely adequate system of weather reports from this area, those in charge of operations have been advised to delay the flight rather than take any risk. In a report received yesterday by the Hon. D. G. Sullivan. Minister of Scientific and Industrial Research, from the director of the Meteorological Branch of his department, it was stated that, in view of the flight, efforts had been made to study weather conditions in the Pacific as closely as possible. The weather service in the islands was being expanded, but was still not adequate for the requirements of aviation, as it was not always possible to rely on the receipt in New Zealand of regular reports and interruptions in the service as week-ends prevented a continuous watch on weather systems. “During the Easter holidays,” the report stated, “few reports are likely to be received from the Islands, and it would obviously be hazardous to. bring the clipper down under such circumstances.”

MAY STAY AT WELLINGTON

FOR SHORT TIME Harbour Facilities Offered It is not yet known for certain wbe ther the Pan-American Airways clipper ship will visit Wellington, but accordin'’ to a statement made by Mr. Harold Gatty yesterday, if arrangements could be made, it would certainly make the visit. Nothing could be finalised, however, until lie has discussed the position with Captain Musick, pilot-in-ehief. Should the clipper come, its stay would be a very short one. The Wellington Harbour Bogrd lias expressed its willingness to place facilities and certain equipment at the disposal of Captain Musick, and it will co-operate with the Wellington City Council in a civic welcome to the officers of the flying-boat. An invitation has beeu extended to Captain Musick anil his officers to attend a luncheon which has been arranged tentatively bv the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. The civic authorities, harbour board, and Government officials will also be invited.

POSSIBILITY OF RETURN TO HONOLULU Commander Will Be Guided By Weather Conditions By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, March 24. Mr. Harold Gatty, representative of Pan-American Airways, staled to-night that Captain Musiek, who arrived with the clipper ship at Kingman Reef today, would be guided solely by weather conditions at (lie reef as to whether he would make the third “hop” to Pago Pago or return to Honolulu and wait there until after the holidays were over. “Communications and meteorological information are the basis of safety as far as long-distance flights are concerned.” he s.aid, "and planes must be able to obtain dependable information at all times. The fact that continuous meteorological information throughout the route from Honolulu to Auckland is not available during holiday periods is likely to have an important bearing

on the continuation of the flight before Easter. My own personal view is that it is highly probable that the clipper will return to Honolulu. If the plane came right through to-day it is probable that she would meet the storm that is travelling toward the Samoan Islands from south of the New Hebrides, and more will be known about the movement of the disturbance later. “Apart from that, a flight during the holiday season means that we will be unable to make a full weather map because of lack of reports during the Easter holidays. The flight up to the present has thus proved the value of the survey that is being made. It is showing what is actually needed before a regular service can be inaugurated. The fact has been established that a more constant network of meteorological information is needed to fly the service with safety and efficiency. Who can say that weather reports are not just as necessary in holiday times as at any other period? "The same number of reports are not made at holiday seasons on account of leave being granted to officials engaged in the work. This emphasises a new need with the inauguration of overseas flying services, and proves the value of survey flights before a route is finally determined.”