FLYING THE TASMAN

Evening Star, Issue 19142, 8 January 1926, Page 10

FLYING THE TASMAN

AUCKLAND JOURNALIST'S PLANS

A visitor to Dunedin at the present, time is Mr H. J. Wilson n reporter on the staff of the Auckland ‘Star,' ivho at intervals in his journalistic activities indulges his fancy in the singular though decidedly exhilarating pas- | time of Hitting from place to place in the country per medium of aeroplane. The adventuresome Air Wilson has taken part in several pioneer flights in New Zealand, including the first one across Cook- Strait from Christchurch to Wellington, a journey that was accomplished in three and a-fpnuiei hours. During 1920 he accompanied the late Lieutenant R, Russell, D.C.C., from Wellington to AVangamn, being the first, to deliver newspapers by air m New Zealand. When the American | fleet arrived in AVaitemata Harbor in August last bo carried out his newspaper assignment from the air, and later on was “catapulted” from the top turret ol the Mississipi, an expoi i- j enco which, he contends, was even more thrilling than a ride on the Exhibition scenic railway. . , , . Mr AVilson is looking lor 1 resh fields to conquer, and tor a year or two now has set his heart on flying the Tasman, negotiations, in fact, being commenced iu°l!)2l, though so far they have remained “in the air.” The intrepid Aucklander, who is in search of the “scoop” of Ins file—and he has had not a few to Ids credit—is confident that the iong-lookcd-lorward-to trip will eventuate this year, though finance —that bugbear of all “upward and onward ” looking persons—is still a serious stumbling block, it is understood, however, that the Government is inclined to look upon the venture with a fairly benevolent eye. it is proposed to undertake this groat pioneering journey in what is confidently described as being the “ last word in amphibian firing boat construction.” it will _ be liked with the most modern navigating instruments, and it will be replete with a Alarcon! wireless and a directional wireless. The personnel of tho crow will bo ATr George. Bolt, late instructor at the New Zealand Flying School, Kohimaramara. Auckland; Air A. Brnckett, duel officer of the Kaiapoi; and Air H. J. AVilson as observer.

Mr Wilson is confident of the success of the (hiring venture, and a start will bo made as soon as the necessary money is guaranteed. Ho lias boon in communication with the late Minister ol Defence (Sir Heaton Rhodes), who, on behalf of the Government, offered a fairly generous subsidy, but this tails far short of the amount required, .