“ALL IS WELL”

Gisborne Times, Volume LXIX, Issue 10871, 15 April 1929, Page 5

“ALL IS WELL”

FINDING OF THE SOUTHERN CROSS.

WHITE MARK FIRST NOTICED.

TWO MEN SEEN KEEPING FIRE GOING.

REPLY TO DROPPED NOTE.

PLANE COULD LEAVE IF PETROL AND OIL SUPPLIED.

MACHINE LOCATED ON BEND OF GLENEI.G RIVER.

United Press Assn, by El. Tel. Copyright (Australian I’rena Association.) SYDNEY, April 13. A newspaperman, Mr Davidson, on tiler air liner Canberra yesterday, reports that the Southern Cross was located on a bend of the Glelnelg river, not far from Mount Grey. .Mr Davidson says: “Just previous to the plane being sighted we canio down to about 200 feet to investigate •strange white marks on the ground in tli© vicinity of a. sheet of water. These proved to he only rocks.

Keith Anderson’s plane Kookaburra is still missing avid two Royal Air Force planes which had gone in search for her have not yet reported from Mare© or Alice Springs. . Private advices from Wave Hill indicate that there is no news from the police and assistance for a search is being sought'.

The plane which landed beside the Southern Cross was piloted by Captain Heath. The Canberra, according to messages intercepted by Amalgamated Wireless, dropped fourteen! parcels of food, clothes, fishing tackle, revolvers and ammunition, also many telegrams of congratulations from all parts of the world. Then, seeing all was well with the ■ Smith-Dim party, the Canberra proceeded to Derby. The Ganherrra’s message addon .r “Kingsford Smith and crew are now well on the wav to being rescued for, while w© were dropping provisions, the Wcstralian plane flew up and mad© a lauding on the mud flat near the Southern Cross.”

“Immediately afterwards, while endeavouring to locate marks, we saw some miles off a white mark which was so symmetrical in shape that we flew over to investigate, and discovered it was th© South-ern-Cross. “Two men were then seen on top of a, small hill a few hundred yards away keeping a tire going. This fire was very small, and. might easily have escaped notice from any distance. The other two men had another small fire burning near the machine. “Replying to a note dropped from the Canberra', the men below signalled 1 that they could get ofl it supplied with petrol and oil, although the tracks made- by tlio Southern Cross in landing seem to indicate (lie presence of a marsh. There hail been no rain lor ten days, and the ground therefore, may be dry. “As seen front th© air th© plane appears to have run up a. slight .slope, hut afterwards the tail shifted into the wind. “The two men oln the hill were down at th© plan© like greased lightning, and apparently got into th© shad© to eat, as they were nob seen for some time. AN© dropped O' note telling them we had been trying to call them by wire less, hub as they did .not respond we presumed our messages weie not received.

PLANE HAS HEARD SYDNEY

ALL ALONG

jWireless experts believe the Southern Cross has bciln able to receive msssages from Sydney and iherelote, knew the steps tlirat were being taken for rescue, hut they were unable to speak in reply. A message from Wyndham states:

‘‘'Captain Holden yesterday dropped a. not© to the Southern Cross, asking: ‘Can you hear our wireless F The reply was ‘No'. I suggest that. Sydney stations keep Squadron Leader Kingslortl Smith fully advised of the latest news I presume it is your short wave ho caji hear, as he gave no indication that Wyndliam's .six hundred meters signals we.r© being received.’ Captain Holden further suggested :

“They wrote on the ground something that, looked like ‘Rein VIS’ which our wireless operator considered meant they had received, or could receive from Sydney. AVe returned to Wyndham, where the whole population greeted us with intense excitement.”

“Will you transmit following for the South Cross: Endeavour to hav© the Coolinda sail for Port George, to drop petrol also, arrange for Derby planes to supply food, blanket* and clothes in case the land party is unable to reach the Southern Cross for a few days. Have advised Port George mission roughly of 'the position ot th© Southern Cross”.

HOAY STRANDED AVIATORS SPENT TIME

TAYO FIRES KEPT BURNING

MAROONED MEN HAVE PLENTY FOOD

United Press Assn, by El. Tel. (Jopyrighi (Australian Press Association.) SYDNEY. Arpil 13-

WILL NOT'BE ABLE TO RETURN FOR SOME DAYS

Elaborate arrangements are being made for the organisation of rescue parties for the Southern Cross. The Wyndham and .Derby organisations will ho co-ordinated.

United Press Assn, by 151. Tel. Copy rich! (Australian Press Association.) (Received April 13, 5-5 p.m.) SYDNEY, April LL Th© air liner Canberra left AYyndlam to-day to take more loud to Lhr Southern Cross. She wirelessed at 1.5 U

If the plane is not seriously damaged, and it appears lo he all right it may he possible to clear a space on the flats sufficient to permit it taking off from there to Wyndham. Otherwise salvage operations by water will ho considered. Li is understood that the Glenelg River is navigable by luggers for a distance from the sea, which might he close to where the Southern Cross is lying. The Canberra will he used for the direction of salvage operations from tho air.

“(>,i th© way to the marooned airmen, afterwards going lo P<Tby, if a landing ground is suitable there.”

Advices from Derby, however, indicate that a very high, spring tide them yesterday had saturated the landing ,ground. Pilot Woods, of the newspaper “Sun’s” plane-, which, has dome great work in searching during the past ten days, telegraphed from Bioome that lie knows the spot where the Southern : Cross landed and when liis machine is overhauled lie will fly tlier© iiAul attempt to land alongside and help the'' Smith-Ulm party.

An improvised wireless station will ho erected at Mulnga.

Kingsford Smith and bis companions! spent the past 13 days keeping two fires burning, one on a lonely hilltop by tho Glenelg River, and tho other near the Southern Cross on a river flat-

A relief party may he despatched from Port George mission.

Pilot Oh a ter of the 'Western Airways Scrvricei says that lie fle-'v five times over the locality, chasing a native smoko signal, but a- landing was impossible. Therefore, be was unable to get their news.

Meanwhile, Captain Holden has left flit) crew well supplied with loot I, medical stores, tobacco, and not the least important, mosquito nets.

Captain Chateau telegraphs from Wyndham : —-

SOUTHERN CROSS UNDAMAGED WESTE-A LI A N M A CHIN E ALIGHTS

“lb will be a matter of days before the Smith-Ulm party will be able to - ■ return to civilisation. Meajiitime thov have ample food.” ■ i NO SIGNALS TO THEM ? WESTRALIAN PILOTS’ COMPLAINT WITHIN ONE DAY’S WALK. FROM MISSION STATION

BIG PLANE TO RETURN TO : SYDNEY

NEED FOR RE-CONDITIONING

United Press Assn by El. I’eL Cbpyrigh •Australian Press Association j (Received April 14, 5.5 p.m.j SYDNEY. April 14. The PSun” states tliat the fustmessage from the stranded fliers arrivedl at Sydney late on Saturday night, from Flight. Lieut. Ulm. This said:—

United Press Assn by El. Tel. Copyright (Australian Press Associate,m.) (Received April. 1R 5.5 p.m.) SYDNEY, April 14.

“Squadron Leader Smith says he thinks he could take off from the imid flats as soon as petrol and oil are procured. IVe- propose to bring the Southern Cross back to Sydney for re-conditioning, - before •starting again on the flight to England - . The party is still feeling weak from starvation-.” .

Messages from. Derby state that the Weistraliaii pilots are astonished that Smith and Ulm did not signal any of them, as all had flown several times over the spot where the Southern Cross landed.

Captain Sliadforth, who is in charge of tha mission schooner says that lie was at Port George mission cjn the day ’Smith circled overhead aiid ! i dropped a note. Ho received directions from the mission and flew dIF over the ranges. The day was clear. Captain Sliadfol'tli. considers that it would have been an awkward proposition for the Southern Cross ci;eW to walk to .the mission across the. ranges. OJrr the other hand, Mr Pauli,i formerly for eight years-manager of Hie Port George mission, says that lie knows the country thoroughly. If the airmen' had known tho country they could easily r havgi, walked to the mission in a day. He thinks they were able to beam the Sydney wireless and knew the rescue planes were searching and considered it best to stay by the machine. V ..

Plight Lieut. -Ulm also telegraphed, his wife and Chief Civic Commissioner- Garlick, extending tin* thanks of tile- party for what Sydney citizens had done for them. Squadron Leader Smith also, sent a message; to •his parents, Itlmt all were well, and that they , were returning to Sydney to overhaul the plane. .. - These messages were lodged at Derby and had apparently been taken thither by the plane widen landed alongside the Southern Cross yesterday. This was. ■tlite • Westralialri Airways machine. which the ' Canberra found tliei'e when she made-her. second trip yesterday, with food for the marooned- men.. .- - ... - ■

PLANE HAS ROOM TO TAKE OFF

PETROL, OIL, AND GOOD LUCK ALL THAT IS NEEDED

United Press Assn, by El. Tel. Copyright (Australian Press 1 Association.) (Received*April 14, 5.5 pan ) SYDNEY, April 14. According to messages through Amalgamated Wireless the Canberra landed at Derby yesterday afternoon. Captain. Holden .reported that, in answer to questions Ho. th© Southern Gross, it had beein learned that the latter was undamaged and has room to take off. This means that all that they need is petrol, oil and good luck.

The men aboard the Canberra wh'4n the plane made the memorable discovery on Friday wore Captain Holden, Div Hamilton, the wireless operator, Staining©, two residents ot Wyndham, Messrs Lyall and Dunn, and the Evening Nows reporter Davidson, who yesterday gave the world the first coherent account of the event. Not since the Armistice has any item of 'news stirred Australia as did the brief announcement that the Southern Gross had been found on Friday.

There was no further news this afternoon of Keith Anderson.

THRILLING STORY FLIGHT-LIEUT. FLY'S LOG HOPELESSLY LUST FOR TEN HOURS LAND ON EDGE OF MANGROVE SWAMP LISTENED IN, BUT COULD NOT REPLY

(Copyright to th© Sydney Sun Throughout, the World.) (Received April 15. 1.31 u.m.) SYDNEY, April 1-J.

Flight-Licut. Ulni’s account of the Southern Cross’ flight finishes a thrilling story. Extracts Irom his log, after covering the early hours of the journey, which are already known, describe the running into rain on Sunday, .March 31. at 3.15 a.m. Tli© rain continued off and on foe the .next two hours'. When dawn was breaking at 7.50. it was very wet and cold and they diil not know if th© coast had been reached, as there word thick clouds below. But all thought so. At six o’clock they scorned to bu approaching A\yr»ilham.

At 9.15 Hi© log states: The last hour has been spout at about lilty feet in thick rain with very low clouds along a very thick broken coast lin© in looking for Wyndham. At 10.30 they thought they had found the entrance, hut. an hour later, tho log says: r ‘Nofiiing 0) report.” The log continues: 11.30: "‘Have been lost in a rainstorm for eight hours.” Noon: “On th© coast al a river mouth ; clouds all about.” 12.20: “.lust- passed som© rapids; heading west ; getting over th© const again.” 1.50: Have a hot. 1' hours' gas.” 2.10: “I’assodi over mission!: threw clown not© and a chap gave its the dirociion. All hands tired. Bccm in the air 27hours.” 2.4-1 : “Been .hopelessly lost in tli© rainstorm! for ten hours; now going to make a. forced landing ai a place ivi! believe to bn 150 miles from Wflndbam in rotten country. 3:20: “Wo have made a Inreed lauding; rain had forced us right down to the hilltops and we were unable to locate tho mission so. eventually, wo landed on the edge of a mangrove swamp. Smithy made a wonderful effort. The Southern Cross is undamaged hut the only food on hoard is seven sandwiches, all about to putrefy. We lmv© lit a hro. All are tired out after having been 28V hours in tli© air. .Mai* (McWilliams) rigged a long wav© aerial to tli© aileron from a kiing post ami listened in. All arc very deal, but we heard Perth call Darwin about us before dark. AVe trudged through about two and a-lialf miles ol had swamp grass to an adjacent lull top. hut saw nothing, so returned to the bus before dark. It was very heavy going. Smithy aind Litcli got in fivo to six hours sleep the first night and Mac and I barely-an hour. Mosquitoes and flies make 'sleep impossible." FOOD GIVES OUT ALL VERY WEAK

FLIES AND MOSQUITOES WERE AWFUL

Monday, April 1 : “Smithy and 1 spent practically the whole day improvising tho belt drive lor the radio generator. Wo had! too tools and the flies were awful. In the evening, we listened in again. Our food has given out, but we have- plenty of water. All aro very weak. Mac and 1 are tho worst, because we have had Vio sleep. Wo got Sydney on the radio. They say that a launch has left Wyndham to search- the Drysdate l iver and! a,' plane is to leave Derby on search. Litchfield fixed our position at about 1200 miles from Derby and 180 west from Wyndham. 'flic plane is our masri hope. Turned to about 8.20, after hard physical work by Smithy and! myself trying to turn the radio just enough to get out a message. It is doubtful if it is any good. Smithy and Ditch had less than, an hour’s sleep, Mac half aim hour, myself none. Our mosquito bites are swelling and all are much weaker. Wo have named this place Coffee Royal. Smithy and J searched the swamp for oysters and found none. Wo saw a small kangaroo on Sfinday but nothing since. We turned the plane round this afternoon to slightly drier ground.” “Tuesday, April 2: “All visibly weaker this •morning; any exertion tires us out altogether. Smithy and Litcli!'went to th© hilltop to light: a fire. Mao and I have cine going near the Southern Cross.' We will stay, here to-night and listen in again.” 9.40 aim.: “Plane coining ; our best -hope, hut it has not sighted us. Wo fool wo can last a week, if the flies a'.ucll mosquitoes don’t devour us. But tho main thing is that the Southern Ororss is undamaged and we can take off in a few days if there is: no - more -rain- and may sec

the mission again. W© wi ll ho able to stay abut 15 minutes only, but will lie able Lo send radio on short wave fr’orn iiho air. Another landing here will be perilous. Even writing is an effort. Smithy aind Litcli returned] from tli© hill-top at noon ; they couldn’t stick the heat without protection. Got Sydney at niglit, hut though wo we-ro reported missing in the press, there was no direct message to us. There was a thunder shower before stim-down and another at 1.30 a.m. All had about three hours’ sleep. Mae is a scream, making jokes and sometimes playing the mouth-organ. Food is all wo nee-cl; wo are weak for lack of it- and sleep. AY© tried to shoot birds with the automatic hut had no success.

WARSHIP RECALLED

SEARCH FOR KEITH ANDERSON

CITIZENS COMMITTEE’ REFUSES AID

United Precis Assn, by El. Tel. Copyright (Australian Press Association.) SYDNEY, April 13. The Albatross has returned to Sydney as the result of official orders received last night by wireless. Mr. Cantor, hacker of Lieut. Keith Anderson, who left iu the Kookaburra to participate in the search for the Southern Cross, and lias not been reported since Wednesday, urges that measures should be taken to search for him. The citizens’ committee which organised tile fund for the Smith and Ulm search, informed Mr Cantor that it was unable to deal with tho matter. Two-Royal Air Force planes from Point Cook left Mildura this morning for Ma-ree. Neither is fitted with wireless.

Captain Mathoson, in a Goulburn Mot-li plane, was forced down at Duchess, 69 miles from Cloncurry yesterday, owing to engine trouble.

ANXIETY IN N.Z. RELIEVED

CONGRATULATIONS TO AUSTRALIAN PREMIERS

(Press Association.) WELLINGTON, April 13. Tho Prime Minister has forwarded tli© following cablegram to the Prim© Minister of Australia : “News of the discovery of the Southern Cross and safety of the missing aviators has been received with th© keenest pleasure in New Zealand, and lias been a source of relief from the grave nnvietv which wo all shared.”

A. cablegram also has been forwarded to the Premier of New South Wales as follows: “New Zealand shares with New SoiiLli Wales and other portions of the Commonwealth in foul wigs of universal satisfaction in connection with the discovery of the Southern Cross, and th© safely of Squadron-Leader Kingston! Smith and his com paw iouis. .May 1 ask you to lie good enough to convex' W> llie relatives of ifhu aviators in your State ail expression of our congratulations upon tho happy termination'of our common ainxiety as to the welfare of the missing men.” A. telegram lias also he©n forwarded by th© Prime .Minister to an uncle of Mr McWilliams, living in Auckland.

WILD AND RUGGED COUNTRY MR 0. O. BLOOR-E’S IMPRESSIONS

Swept by mousoutinl storms and rain, iu wiiieh it is impossible to sec nioro than a yard ahead, the country in which the Southern Cross was found is a God-lorsakcn ©ouniiy to say the least, declared 51 r C. G. Blooro, who for many years lived in Australia anti has an intimate knowledge- of the conditions of tin- Northern Territory. The coastal country is rugged, broken and wild, dotted with mangrove swamps and thick scrub from a. lew feet high to a tores!.. There is practically no animal lII©, in tho area, though strangely enough there am a .mimlicr of rivers and streams rising from rock formation in tho hinterland, in which there is an abundance of fish, hut beyond this there is nothing hut swamp and scrub—miles ol; it. H© considers th© Southern Cross was fortunate in apparently finding a good lauding place, which- are few and I’m between, owing to till© exceptional ruggeclncss of the mountainous country, othorwiso had tho aviator.s boon compelled to land amidst the scrub the chances were the plane would never lie got out. Mr Bloorc said he was not surprised that .both piano and men had boon hidden securely from th© eves of the searching airmen, as the scrub would ho am effective screen-