AO-TE-AROA’S FLIGHT FROM SYDNEY.
OCCUPIES OVER SEVENTEEN HOURS.
FAILURE TO EFFECT A LANDING.
Plane’s Long Cruise Around Wellington.
(Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn & Sun Cable SYDNEY, January JU. The aviators Lopped oft' fur New Zealand at 2.44, this morning, (5.11 •Ntw Zealand time). When the engine was started up Jp two o’clock this morning it was ■found that an over-supply of lubriculFwg oil had been pumped into the conv piners the overflow choking/ some ► vit)al points. The machine trouble uas soon remedied, and at 2.40, .Moncrieff and Hood took their places in the machine. Moncrieff, as pilot gave the order to start. The chocks were pulled from the wheels, the propellor revolving at cruising speed, the pilot waved a hand as the signal for departure. The “all clear’’ was given, ami the; monoplane taxied into the open <»f the aerodrome, and within a hun-< dred yards had risen and turned direct for New Zealand, and within a few minutes was lost to sight. Sound tests before leaving showed the wireless in proper working order. Hood and Moncreiff expressed them selves absolutely physically fit, an I in guod spirits and said they wore ready to undertake the journey cheerfully and confidently. Messages were sent to the airmen’s wives stating that the men expected to bo with them nt Wellington tonight. The State Meteorologist was at the aerodrome, with specially prepare*) weather reports. He said as far as he could make out the weather was particularly favourable. Weather reports were received from New’ Zealand by wireless till 0.3 1 * this morning also from ships at sea. GREYMOUTH’S GREETINGS. The Deputy Mayor of Greymoutb, Mr. Jas. O’Brien, cabled Lieut, Mon-< ,-rieff as folows: “Will be pleased to welcome vou at Greymouth.’
Moncrieff s Farewell Message. FLIGHT “NOT A STUNT.’’ PRESS UNION GREETING SENT BY PLANE. (Received January 10 at 7 p.m.) SYDNEY. January 10. Moncrieff. in a farewell message, warmly thanked tho Commonwealth Government and the Air Force for assistance in preparing for the flight. He says that, without this, it would have probably have taken another month to start. Moncrieff adds: “In this flight there is no pecuniary gain in view, nor is it a stunt. We hope it may do some thing to establish aerial communication between Australia and New Zealand. and may stimulate public interest in aviation as an arm of defence, and may bring closer together the two countries which are destined to be a far bigger power in the Pacific than they are to-day. Defence is one of their many common interests.’’ The opportunity was la ken of the flight by various bodies ami persons to send by the fliers congratulatory greetings to New Zealand, including one from Sir James Fairfax, ns chairman of the Australian Section of the Empire Press Union, to Sir George Fenwick, chairman of the New Zealand branch.
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Grey River Argus, 11 January 1928, Page 5
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473AO-TE-AROA’S FLIGHT FROM SYDNEY. Grey River Argus, 11 January 1928, Page 5
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