AVIATION

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 December 1938, Page 8

AVIATION

CEYLON—SINGAPORE FLIGHT

[BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.] [INDEPENDENT CABLE SERVICE.]

(Recd. December 4, 8 a.m.) SINGAPORE, December 13

The first of the three short Sunderland flying boats, attempting a nonstop from Ceylon to Singapore arrived at 11 a.m. (local time). A second ’plane landed at Nancowry Island with motor trouble. A third stopped to pick up the occupants of the disabled plane, then flew on to Singapore.

COORONG WRECK.

DARWIN, December 13. The Coorong is a complete wreck, only four motors being salvaged. The accident was due to the sudden unexpected storm causing the Coorong to break her mooring line. The Coorong which it is understood was insured for the full value, will be dismantled where it lies, and shipped to England, to be reconstructed. Although the Darwin postal officials refuse to make available the amount of mails aboard the Coorong, the percentage of damage, and the addresses of the consignment, it is known that the mails suffered little damage, and are consigned mostly to Brisbane, Sydney and New Zealand.

JAPAN BUYS GERMAN PLANES

(Recd. December 14, 8 a.m.) BERLIN. December 13

Japan has purchased five 26-seater Fokewulf monoplanes, similar to the Berlin-Tokio record breaker.

TRANS-TASMAN SERVICE

DUNEDIN, December 13.

In an interview to-day, the Minister in charge of Aviation (Hon. F. Jones) said that, satisfactory progress was being made in the provision of the facilities necessary at Mechanics Bay, Auckland, for a temporary base for the trans-Tasman air service. Orders have been placed in England for the U-shaped pontoon necessary for berthing the flying-boats, for hydroplane flares used during taking off and alighting, and for the necessary moorings, which include one for Hobsonville and one for Russell. The slipway at Hobsonville will be available ( for beaching the boats for repairs, and the moorings at Russell will provide an alternative landing area, should it be undesirable to fly direct to Auckland.

In addition an order is being placed in England for a 37ft. 6in. control launch. These vessels are manufactured by the British Power Boat Company, and are exactly similar to those used by Imperial Airways in many parts of the Empire. The control launch is capable of a maximum speed of 25 knots, and a cruising speed of 18 knots.

Provision of the other necessary facilities, such as an administration building and engine and aircraft repair shops, is under consideration at present, and it is hoped that building operations will begin early in January.