HOP-OFF DELAYED

Evening Star, Issue 19985, 1 October 1928, Page 2

HOP-OFF DELAYED

WAITIHG OK GOOD WEATHER [Pee United Press Association.] BLENHEIM, September 30. Up to late on Saturday afternoon people were on the qui vive following the announcement that the Southern Cross would ho” off on the journey back across the Tasman at 4.45 this morning. A very large crowd had gathered in Blenheim from all parts of the dominion, and ai. day yesterday and to-day a ceaseless stream found its way to the aerodrome, where the big monoplane is housed. Tucked under its wing is a Bristol fighter, like an old hen and its chick. The camera fields were busy, and finder the very efficient arrangements made by the Aero Club officials close up views could be had of the big machine without danger of interference. Yesterday afternoon Squadron-leader Kingsford Smith and Flight-lieutenant Ulm made a final overhaul of the Southern Cross d replaced the propellers. The tanks were tilled and everything was put in readiness for the great adventure. ’ ,nter in the afternoon the weather report was unfavourable, and Flight-lieutenant Ulm announced officially that, owing to the bad weather outlook in the Tasman, the flight as scheduled would not jtake place. This was a great disappointment to the crowds of visitors. - Today’s weather report gav- no better promise, and the flyers announced that there was no prospect of leaving before Monday morning. However, the plane is ready, and the men are ready to hop off when Dr Kidson “ fires the pistol.” During the week-end Squadronleader Kingsford Smith and Fiighblieuetnant Ulm were each presented with a Maori mat by the Marlborough Maoris. The Aero Club gave each of the four flyers an inscribed gold cigarette case. Mr George Edwards, of Auckland (at one time of Blenheim), sent a fine floor r g made by himself for the floor of the monoplane’s cabin, the centre design being a kiwi. Miss Smith, furrier, of Wellington, sent each of the flyers fur waistcoast to keep them warm on the trip back. Mr H. Lloyd, of Wellington, sent .four greenstone tikis and the Messrs Fairhall Brothers, owners of the flying field, presented the airmen with _an; enlarged photograph of the field in "harvest time. READY AT RICHMOND. Frees Association—By -telegraph—Copyright SYDNEY, September 29. Captain Chateau is co-operating with naval and military authorities tor the use of searchlights at Sydney, Newcastle, and Jervis Bay as a guide for the Tasman flyers. A code will be arranged to indicate to the flyers which light they sight. The Minister of Defence has given instructions that every possible cooperation should be given. Special arrangements have already been made for floodlights at Richmond.