CHRISTMAS AIR MAIL

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 124, 21 November 1931, Page 13

CHRISTMAS AIR MAIL

SOUTHERN SUN TAKES WING

STAET OF LONG FLIGHT

United l'ress Association —By Electric Tele

graph—Copyright-

SYDNEY, 20th November

The air-liner Southern Sun began her flight at 11.15 a.m. with the Christmas air mail for London.

Tho giant monoplane, escorted by two smaller aeroplanes, passed over the harbour, the ferry boats meanwhile tooting v joyous farewell.

I The smaller aeroplanes soon returned, au'd the Southern Sun continued her journey northward to Queensland, favoured by a following wind. Tho chief pilot is "Seotty" Allen, the co-pilot and ongineev is E. N. Boulton, and the wireless operator is G. Callaghan. There are two passengers "on board the Southern Sun —Colonel Brinsmead, Controller of Civil Aviation, and Mr. B. Rubiu, a wealthy grazier. The mail carried consists of 51,277 articles from all States and New Zealand, weighing 1326 pounds. Mr. E. T. risk, managing director of Amalgamated Wireless, Limited, had intended to be a passenger, but pressure of business prevented him from leaving.

Another of those disappointed was Mr. E. B. Day, a New Zcalander, who had to be left behind because of the last-minute rush of mail matter.

Tho pilot, Allen's, parting words were: "This is a wonderful chance. J am looking forward to the trip, and I am sure we will do it."

"Yes," interposed Colonel Brinsmead, "this is the beginning of wonderful things."