ANXIETY FOR ’PLANE

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXII, Issue 12476, 12 February 1935, Page 5

ANXIETY FOR ’PLANE

APPEARED TO DISAPPEAR IN LAKE TAUPO.

(Press Assod&iiam WELLINGTON, Feb. 11. The Post and Telegraph Department has received t(je following message from the ’CliieY Postmaster at Auckland:

“Waitahanui (on Lake Taupo) reports that an aeroplane coming

from the Hamilton direction was seen over Lake Taupo in a rain storm between 6 pAn. and 6.30. The plane appeared to disappear in the lake. Further, inquiries are being made.”

DOCTOR’S STORY

PLANE SEEN TO BE DESCENDING.

MAORI GIRL ALSO NOTICED MACHINE.

(Press Association.' WELLINGTON. Fob. 41. In a- telephone communication with fcho postmaster, Mr. IT. A. Savage, of Waitalianui, it was learned that the plane was seen by Dr. Miller, flying low over the lake in a severe rainsquall about 6 p.m. The plane seemed to be descending, and the doctor went into his residence to get a pair of glasses, hut when ho returned in a few seconds the plane had disappeared. Dr. Miller was afraid it had fallen into the lake just off the headland jutting out into Taupo off Waifcahanui. The doctor immediately communicated with the postmaster, who reported the matter to Taupo.

Dr. Miller stated that he was not sure whether the plane was flying from the. direction of Hamilton or making for there, as it appeared broadside on to him. The postmaster, Mr. Savage, made inquiries from Maoris in the vicinity, and -one girl stated that she had Been a plane flying very low over the lake in a heavy rainsquall. A search will be made of the lake in the vicinity.

AERO CLUB MACHINES ACCOUNTED FOR.

MY BE PRIVATE PLANE

(Press Assoc:ation.)

WELLINGTON, Feb. II

Tbe Post and Telegraph Department have received a further telegram from the chief postmaster at Auckland respecting the aeroplane supposed to have disappeared at Taupo. This is as follows:

“Inquiries have been made in Auckland, Hastings. Hamilton, Palmerston North, New Plymouth and Wellington, which state the machines there arc accounted tor at the aerodromes. Possibly a private machine is involved. The postmaster at Taupo reports that a launch is out searching lor any possible wreckage.”

searching THE LAKE

LAUNCH STILL 'OUT AT MID-

NIGHT

* Assort a AUCKLAND, Feb. 11

It was at first thought that the plane reported to hae disappeared at Taupo might have been a Waco of the Wellington Aero Club, which George Bolt was flying from Auckland. to Rongotai. Wellington was •communicated with and it was learned that Bolt- ha<l arrived safely and had not flown near Lake Taupo. As soon as the report was received in Taupo preparations for a, re arch of the lake were made and at 8.30 pan. a launch belonging to the Internal Affairs Department put out from the jetty. The launch had not returned at midnight.