SOUTHERN CROSS

Greymouth Evening Star, 27 June 1930, Page 7

SOUTHERN CROSS

ENDANGERED BY FOG

SAVED BY WIRELESS MESSAGES

(Copyright in New Zealand by the Australian Press Assn.; world’s copytight by the “New York Times”).

HARBOUR GRACE, June 25. Kingsford Smith’s own story of his .flight states: — “The machine had no difficulty m Vising at Port Marnock, in Ireland. It lifted at once to 3,250 ft, and right from the start we had radio communication. The weather, until the coast of Newfoundland was reached, was bad. We experienced rain and bumps which were unpleasant, with the heavily loaded machine. Rather strong head winds prevailed for 75 per cent of the flight, but the aeroplane was held on a perfect course, thanks to Navigator Saul, who nevertheless would have been helpless, on account of the overcast sky prohibiting observations, were it not for the wonderful : radio assistance given by Stannago practically throughout the trip. This is attributable to our receiving radio bearings from ships, which, in all modesty, I claim to be one.of the.first radio shows ever put up for- air work. All went fairly well until we reached a point between thirty and thirty-five degrees longitude, when we ran into blind.stuff. From this on, we scarcely saw the sky or the sea. About three o’clock (Greenwich mean time) we were in a position 350 miles from Cape Race, and we expected to reach there in foui* hours. To our consternation, however, the radio bearing showed that we had made only 20 miles in four hours, which, even for reduced ground speed, was a ridiculously low figure. We found owing to inability to maintain a perfect course while flying blind, added to, I believe, rapidity of changes in variation, caused the compass to swing unequally, with the consequence that we. were evidently flying a most erratic course, and this, was borne out by the extraordinary differing radio bearings which w& Received from the ships. I would like to ,stress this, as it seems to be a condition that we are likely to meet with in this locality in the air. There was no blame attributable to the in-, struments. Had this not occurred, we probably would have made a point 700 miles nearer New York. We landed with tfiree and a-half gallons to four gallons of petrol. An hour and a-half before Harbour Grace was reached, we knew that the petrol was running short, and we were keeping this for emergencies. I particularly wish to thank the radio operators at all the 1 radios and on the ships, especially on the liner “Transyllvania,” .who made untiring efforts to assist us, and to whose good offices we are deeply indebted.

“The radio advices wisely called our attention to the fact that the ground condition at Harbour Grace was free of fog, and with the limited range, it would, in my opinion, have been unwise to have proceeded any further. Naturally we were disappointed, but this was mitigated by the amazing sources of our organisation from the point of view of the radio. The weather practically bore out the forecast, but we did not anticipate meeting a heavy fog so far from our destination. We actually flew blind half, the trip, and the ocean fog was apparently unlimited as to its height, as we still were flying blind up to a ■height of 5000 feet; but fog actually on the banks was considerably lower, and frequently there was Clear air above 1000 feet. Throughout the trip we communicated with the shipping, and in this way we had a connection with those, on the shore. This more than bears ( out my theories as regards two-way radio being essential. I would like to pay a tribute to all the boys, who worked magnificently and untiringly, and were each perfect in their particular spheres. Kingsford Smith stated that his experience when flying in the eastern and southern countries was child’s play to that in crossing the Atlantic, Ho says; “The Atlantic crossing east to west is the biggest problem facing flying men to-day, but with the complete organisation which, we had, it can be accomplished; but only with a multi-motored machine with proven engines and modern facilities.” Ho added that he thinks Stannage is the best radio man that he ever had.

CREW HAD ENOUGH.

HARBOUR GRACE, June 25.

Mr Van Dyk, Kingsford Smith’s copilot, a Dutchman, who has thousands of flying hours to his credit, and whoso services were engaged in Holland when the plane was re-condition-ed at the Fokker works, commented on the flight as follows: —“I have never experienced anything like this. At times we were flying a thousand feet high, and then were down skipping the waves so close that we could see fish, and particularly sharks, so near as to be able to distinguish their wide open mouths. Then we would bo hidden in fog banks so dense that we were wondering in what direction we were flying.”

The navigator, Mr Saul, stated: — “For boisterous weather, fog, shifting winds, cold, and difficulties in navigation, this trip has surpassed all my experiences. It really was quite harrowing, for w’hen we tried to climb above the fog, the cloud bank turned the night into day. Then the compasses went wrong. At times it looked hopeless, for we did not know’ where we were, and w*e w’ere chilled to the bone. No one was ever happier than I was when wo made a safe landing."

The opinion of the plane’s/ crew’ is that the stbamer “Majestic” was good enough to bring them homo. They wish only once to cross the Atlantic in. a. plane.

JOURNEY RESUMED. CHEERFUL MESSAGES RECEIVED. HARBOUR GRACE, June 26. The Southern Cross departed perfectly for New York at 3.5 a.m. New’ York, standard time. The fliers were fresh, after a rest, and they lost, little time in resuming their flight when daw’n broke over the historic air field. NEW YORK, June 26. The following messages have been received from. Kingsford Smith be- > tween 5:37 and 6.02 this morning: —

“Headwinds fairly strong; expect if these continue, we will not make New York till about six (New York time). The Southern Cross is better than ever. Personally, greatly regret my not fulfilling my part of the arrangement. by landing in U.S., but do not believe in complaining. Cheerio.” “Weather now almost perfect. What a contrast to the last trip.” “By golly, it’s bumpy this morning. ' Will land westerly end of Roosevelt Field, as advised. Old machine behaving perfectly. Cheerio.” “Inform Grove Whalen (the Mayor’s functionary for receiving distinguished visitors) will fly over New York before landing. Advise you time some hours before.” . , Having obtained his bearings, Stannage then proceeded to send a long stream of telegrams to various parts of tho world, thanking persons who had congratulated the Southern Cross personnel. A large number of requests have been received by Kingsford Smith from cities throughout the United States, to be a guest of honor and partiiepate in entertainment programmes. Many of these he will be compelled to decline. .... „ Kingsford Smith sent tae following message to Mr. Scullin, through Mr. Brookes: —-“Please thank the Piimc Minister on behalf of self and crew of the Southern Cross. Glad to keep Australian aviation up-to-date.”

SATISFACTORY PROGRESS.

PREPARATIONS FOR LANDING.

(Recd. June 27, 10 a.m.) NEW YORK, June 26.

The Mackay radio intercepted a message from the Southern Cross stating that at 5.30 a.m., they were flying over the Burin Peninsula 140 miles south-west of Harbour Grace, averaging approximately 90 miles an hour for the first 85 minutes in the air. , , A Roosevelt field message, states that Superintendent Kelley wirelessed Kingsford Smith requesting he bring the Southern Cross down on the western field of the port “as we can handle the crowds better, also the reception committee will be there.” Everything has been put in readiness at Roosevelt field for the arrival of the Southern Cross. There is f adequate ground crew to facilitate hangaring the plane, and a special police force of 50 to handle the crowds, which are expected to be large. Conditions are ideal for landing there. Light north by north-west winds are prevailing, which will give the Southern Cross the necessary lift for landing. A Halifax message states that Smith sent a request message to the Canso Government radio foi- bearings at 5.47 a.m. The station replied: "Bearing true from Canso 621.2 degrees.” The New York steamship, Agrica wirelessed the position of the Southern Cross at G. 44 a.m. as 200 miles west by south of Cape Race. A Gloucester (Massachusetts) message says: Picked up broadcast from Smith at 7.45 a.m* stating they were flying at an altitude of 2000 feet, estimating the speed at 100 miles an hour. The position was not given. At 8.35 a.m., the Gloucester coastguard radio received a message from the plane stating:- "Over Nova Scotia.” A later message - from the Southern Cross stated the plane was over Country Harbour, Novia Scotia, at 10 a.m.

A. Halifax (Novia Scotia} message states that the plane passed Musquodoboit Harbour, 40 miles east of Halifax at 10.40 on Thursday morning.

SICK FROM PETROL.

NEARING THE DESTINATION

(Copyright in New Zealand by Australian Press Assn.—. World’s copyright by “New York Times.”) NEW YORK, June 26: Smith wirelessed at 8 a.m.: “All well aboard here. Flying at 1000 feet above dense fog and thoroughly enjoying ourselves. A little while Van Dyke and I got sick from- an overdose of petrol fumes and nearly did the obvious, but now O.K. Very smooth air and warm and pleasant.” Signals from the Southern Cross were resumed at 10 a.m. One message stated: We climbed t& 6,500 feet to get above the fog. There are beautiful masses of cumulous clouds up here, through which the old ship is steadily flying. AU of us very cheery and making inroads on the provisions. Have not seen the ground for many hours. Am keeping certainty of position. Everything is grand. (. --rm. At 11 a.m., a message stated: “We are 1100 feet up passing a country harbour (Novia Scotia) on our left. Weather is good with sky partly clouded. At 1200 feet we are setting a dead ahead course for Lynn (Mass.), over which we will circle once to say cheerio.”

A garbled message received at 12.36 p.m. now corrected, states: "Air speed now 95 miles an hour. All well. Suddenly we got quite bumpy again.” A message at 12.48 states: “Have just left the coast of Novia Scotia and crossing direct to Lynn, and on to New York. Expect to arrive there about seven (daylight saving). Weather is perfect, hut still a slight haze reduces the visibility. All O.K. aboard the ship.” The Halifax radio station wirelessed: The Southern Cross passed over our station at noon, sending the following message: “Beautiful country. We are flying over lovely little lakes. Have seen all kinds of wild animals too.”

At, 11.50 a message was received stating: “Weather clear to Boston.” At 12.10: “We are pushing into .the fog again.- Have just passed Halifax.”

The Southern Cross radioed her position at 3.10 p.m. (New’ York summertime) as latitude 43.16 north, longitude 67.58 west, which is approximately 150 miles due east of Boston (Mass.) ARRIVAL AT NEW YORK. (Received Juno 27, Noon). NEW YORK. June 26. Kingsford Smith radioed: “4.50 p.m., have just passed over Boston. Weather , wonderful. A flock of machines came up to see us.” “5.5. p.m. Passed Boston, expect

to, arrive, at New York at. 7-p.m., Will circle city and land RooSeve.lt Field.”

LATER. The Southern Cross arrived at New York. ON THE LANDING FIELD. CROWD NOT EXCITED. (Recd. June 27, 1 p.m ) (Australian Press Association’s Special Story). ROOSEVELT FIELD, June 26. An hour before the Southern Cross was due to arrive here, only a small crowd of a few thousands had gathered, but automobiles were then beginning to roll in in progressively greater numbers, giving every indication that New York and vicinity would turn out to welcome the fliers. The afternoon was brilliant and hot, and the conditions for landing were ideal. There were a few Australians among the crowd, and they proudly indicated their nationality and expressed admiration for their compatriot. Mr Brookes was on the committee of welcome. William Saul, a brother of the navigator, was also present. The latter, who is an engineer on a Bermuda-New York boat, had not known his brother’s intention to fly on the Southern Cross.

The first three persons to greet the Southern Cross personnel, however, were Immigration Inspector- Olding. Customs Officer Robinson, and the official doctor, Dr. Shelley. The crowd was not excited or apparently extremely enthusiastic, although' there was every indication that they would give the fliers a hearty reception. The scene was extremely colourful. The field authorities improved the opportunity to keep the rim of the large field No. 2, where the Southern Cross was due to land, covered with dozens of brightly-coloured sight-seeing planes, while huge loud-speakers interspersed euphemistic announcements of the arrival time to approaching - visitors, with invitations to "step right up, with your girl friend. It is only, two and a-half dollars price, and take her for a ride in the blue. lam not promising, but it is quite possible that the Southern Cross will arrive while you are in the air, and give hei' a special welcome.” 'Young men and women in pairs stepped up every few minutes. .

The Southern Cross lauded safely at 6.31. '

Though he had flown 1100 miles today, Kingsford Smith treated the crowd awaiting to acclaim him, to a spectaculai’ exhibition of vertical flying before bringing the ship to a perfect three point landing, directly before the throngs massed behind the high wire fence.

ORDEAL FOR FLIERS

(Recd. Jun© 27, 2.*30 p.m.)

NEW YORK, June 26

The navigator was the first to slip out of the fusilage, carrying a despatch case in his hand, with his navigating papers. He was at once swallowed up by a mob of men and women. .Someone thrust a huge basket of magnificent roses into his hand, which he . promptly disposed of by hanging them on a projection behind a motor-car. Then Kingsford Smith, pulling off his cap, and showing his face- sum ( browned and lean, climbed out at the [left and sprang down. He was in a fur-lined flying suit, fur collar, heavy boots —and here it is sweltering hot. iThe crowd now swallowed him up, and I after the police tugged and ran their [motor cycles through the jam, it was [possible for the diplomatic welcomers '.to meet the two fliers at 7.40. Then the city welcomers were given a chance to shake their hands. • Aftei' this, Stannage and the assistant pilot were induced to climb down from the fusilage. The parly was then rushed to the reception pavilion, where newspapermen fired questions at the four deaf men. It was some I minutes before they understood human speech.

/IESSAGE TO AUSTRALIA

NEW YORK, June 26.

Kingsford Smith conveyed the following message through the Australian Press Association: —

“I. am delighted that with my companions I have at last been able to complete the undertaking which having been begun on American territory, had its significant half way mark in Australia, and is to be completed here, namely the Southern Cross flight around the world. To the Australians who so keenly share with me the hazards and fortunhte moments in this and previous flights, I can only express my gratitude as to fellow-coun-trymen.”

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES. AMERICAN ENTHUSIASM. WASHINGTON, June 25. Among the many officials who congratulated Kingsford Smith were the United States Ambassadors, Dawes (Britain) and Morrow (Mexico), who conversed at great length on the flight. Mr Morrow stated that his son-in-law, Colonel Lindbergh, was considerably worrjed last night dur Ing the reports of the unfavourable weather. Mr Morrow said that Lindbergh considered this flight and the Pacific flight. were outstanding achievements in aviation.

General Dawes telegraphed:—“Con gratulations on your splendid achievemert, which will become historic. The whole country is acclaiming it.” Mr Morrow wired: “Best, wishes and heartiest congratulations upon your ■. plen d i d achi e v e meat.” The British Embassy and the. Irish Free State Legation are jubilant over the flight.

Kingsford Smith has received many congratulatory messages from most important personages in Europe, America, and Australia. He particularly prizes one message he got from Mr Henry Ford. Walter Hinton, pilot on the N.C.4 on the first Atlantic flight in 1919, described Kingsford Smith’s flight as “his second epochal achievement, and a. great contribution towards the advancement of aviation.” Mr Hill Rogers, the famous humourist comedian, in the daily columns of the “New York Times” stated: “That, fellow Smith is a real flier. He paid a, fine tribute to the radio, and that gives a good idea, of what happened to some of those fellows. We have to admit it, but I guess we were pretty windy over here."

Mr Stimson telegraphed io Kingsford Smith as follows:—“Heartiest congratulations to yourself, Saul Stannage, and Van Dyk on your splendid flight and safe ariival.” Kingsford Smith telegraphed as fol. low’s to Admiral Byrd: “Many thanks for your telegram. Preparedness is

undoubtedly half the battle. Hope to exchange experiences in a few day's.” Senator Bingham, President of the Aeronautical Association, telegraphed, “Your remarkable western flight across the Atlantic has brought a step nearer the certainty of regular’ transAtlantic air schedules between Europe and America.” Mr Stimson sent a message to Mr Scullin as follows: —“Personally, and on behalf of the United States Government, !• extend to you and the Australian Commonwealth the heartiest congratulations upon the magnificent flight and the safe arrival of Kingsford Smith and his daring companions. To my mind a fact of great portent to the friendly relations of our two countries and to international air transportation is that Kingsford Smith in this flight, not only has accomplished the difficult westward passage, and is about to complete his circumnavigation of the world, but has joined our two countries'-by air, via. different routes.”

The “New York Herald Tribune” in a leading article stated that although the plane came down before reaching the objective “the disappointment at those facts that may inspire the popular breast will be entirely offset by a sense of relief that the four gallant fliers were able to get as far as they did. At least, they remained in sufficient command of their' venture to pitch.an aviation field for a. landing place, and they came down in excellent order. It will be exceedingly interesting to learn from Kingsford Smith, just which factor was responsible for the last hours of delay. It seems quite probable that he will have more of value to contribute to science in particulars of this kind than if he had been lucky enough to continue without a pause to New York.”

HOMELAND TRIBUTES.

LONDON, June 26.

The British press speaks with the highest praise of Kingsford Smith’s successful flight, and describes him as among the outstanding aviators of the day. A POWERFUL PLANE. The ’plane is a tri-motor Fokker monoplane, originally built for Sir Hubert Wilkins. The span of the wing is 7.lft. BJin., and it is of full cantilever’ (internally braced) threeply wood construction. The maximum chord (width fore and aft) of the wing is 12ft. 6in.s and the maximum depth (thickness) is 33 inches. / Before the Pacific flight a 300-gal-lon petrol tank was removed from the fuselage, and the tanks were sufficient to carry 1298 gallons (American). When flying to Australia and New Zealand, there were four tanks in the wing itself, each holding 96 gallons, one tank under the pilots’ seats holding 107 gallons, and one (main) tank in the fuselage holding 807 gallons. Another tank, holding 60 gallons, was fitted, so that on the longest flight the ’plane is carrying 1358 gallons of petrol. The ’plane is equipped with three Wright Whirlwind J5Ca engines, each of 220 h.p., the oil tanks for these being installed one in each engine nacelle. At full throttle the engines give 1800 r.p.m., giving a high aii’ speed of 120 m.p.h. With the engines throttled back to 1550 r.p.m., she has a speed of 94 statute miles per hour. At this speed each engine consumes a fraction over 10 gallons of fuel per hour. But for the purpose of still another safety margin the air speed was estimated at only 90 m.p.h., at 1550 r.p.m. engine speed. At 90 m.p.h., allowing a fuel consumption of 32 gallons per hour, there is a range of 3818 miles, which in still air would give a range of 690 miles.

U.S.A.-JAPAN SERVICE

SAN FRANCISCO, June 26.

The Acting-Japanese Consul-General, Mr. Kaneko, has announced that a fifteen million dollar Japanese firm has already been financed to operate a 68 hours Tokio-San Francisco dirigible service, probably before the autumn of 1931. There will be three dirigibles. Each will be a fifteen hundred thousand dollar Zeppelin, and each will carry mail'and baggage and forty passengers.