A FAST FLIGHT

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 32, 6 August 1930, Page 10

A FAST FLIGHT

AUCKLAND TO NEW PLYMOUTH

ADVANTAGE OF AIR TRAVEL

The value of the aeroplane as a means of rapid transit was illustrated on Sunday, when Dr. Murray Nicholson, of the Auckland Hospital staff, found it necessary to make a sudden trip to New Plymouth owing to the death of his father, reports the "Taranaki Herald." Inquiries made of taxi-drivers showed that prices for the journey ranged from £12 10s to £30, but the charge for an aeroplane journey was found to bo £14, which would have covered the return if desired. A motor-car could not have arrived till late in the evening, and therefore the shorter journey by air was preferred. Dr. Nicholson left Auckland.at 12.20 p.m. in one of the Auckland Aero Club's Moths, piloted by Captain D. M. Allan. Tho route followed was across Manakau Harbour from Mangcro Aerodrome, and then down tho coast all the way until near Uruti, at which point, the 'plane struck inland a little, making straight for Bell Block. There was a side wind on the machine for the first portion of tho journey, but after the turn at Tongapo'ruta the breeze- was almost straight behind. The 'plane landed at Bell Block at 1.55 p.m., after a journey of lhr 35min, which is believed to be a. record. Captain Allan refilled his tank with petrol and returned to Auckland, but, against the wind, the journey took about three hours. Dr. Nicholson described the journey as comfortable, but rather ■ bumpy, owing to the strong wind, and somewhat cold, as tho pilot in order, to get as smooth a passage as possible maintained a height of about 3500.1:1.