AEROPLANE OVER LAKE

Evening Post, Issue 36, 12 February 1935, Page 10

AEROPLANE OVER LAKE

REPORTED DISAPPEARANCE

SEARCH AT TAUPO

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, February 11. A report from a resident of Waitahanui, about six miles from Taupo township, was received by the DirectorGeneral of the Post and Telegraph Department tonight to the effect that it was thought an aeroplane had disappeared into Lake Taupo between 6 p.m. and 6.30. p.m. The machine, it was stated; rappeared to be. painted a i cream colour, and to be flying from the direction of Hamilton. It was travelling at a. low altitude over the lake during the; height of a rainstorm, arid seemed' to be in the act of descending. ■ ... " '. -.■.•''■.:■■ i Dr. Miller, who observed it, went into his residence to obtain a pair of binoculars; but upon returning within a few seconds the machine had disappeared. .' Inquiries were, immediately commenced from the Taupo and Hamilton post offices, communication being made with the aerodromes at Hobsonyille, Mangere, Hamilton, New PlyI mouth, Hawera, Wanganui, Hastings, Palmerston North, and Wellington. In [each case, however, all machines could, be accounted for. At Hamilton it was at first thought the machine'might have been the Waco j of the Wellington Aero Club, in which Mr. George Bolt was flying from Auckland to Rongotai. . Wellington was I communicated with,'and it was learned j .that Mr. Bolt had arrived safely and had not flown near Lake Taupo. j As soon as the report was received | in Taupo preparations for a search of, the lake-were made, and at 8.30 p.m. a I launch belonging to the Internal Affairs Department put off. from the jetty. The launch had not returned at. midnight. .