JEAN BATTEN

Grey River Argus, 12 October 1936, Page 6

JEAN BATTEN

REACHES DARWIN In Six Days I (Aus & N.Z. Cable Assn.) SINGAPORE, October 10. To the amazement of the Royal Air Force, Jean Batten decided to make a night hop to Koepang, and took off at 11.10 p.m. The weather conditions on the route were reported to be good Miss Batten ran into very heavy rainstorms near Alor Star and was unable to land. Visibility was practically nil. The machine was tossed about, but she struggled through, and was very glad when she saw she was ■within safety. At Penang aerodrome, she lauded, refuelled quickly, and arrived at Singapore. Immediately she gave instructions- for an overhaul of the machine. She said: "I am very happy I am ahead of the solo record. Now I want a good steak and a little sleep, and I will then leave for Koepang as soon iw the machine is ready." (Received October 11 at 7 p.m. ) KOEPANG, October JO. Miss Jean Batten arrived at Koepang at 3 p.m. to-day from Singapore. BEATS SCHEDULE EVERY DAY KOEPANG, October 10. On every stage of her flight Miss Batten has covered more than her day’s schedule. Her omission to call at Alor Star was due to her encountering a heavy storm, which blotted out the aerodrome, compelling her to continue to Penang. She flew blind. The wing tips of the plane were scarcely visible. The machine was rocking -wildly in the gale. She was glad when she came into sight of Penang. She landed and refuelled. Her machine has behaved wonderfully throughout. NINE DAYS TO AUCKLAND. MISS BATTEN’S WISH. (Received October 11 at 7 p.m.) KOEPANG, October 10. Miss Jean Batten is leaving here tomorrow at daylight for Darwin. She said: "I w-ould like to reach Auckland in nine days." Miss Batten left Lympne on Monday last, October 5, at 4.10 a.m. on her flight, so that to fulfil her wish to reach Auckland in nine days she should arrive there on Wednesday evening. ARRIVAL AT DARWIN. YESTERDAY AFTERNOON. (Received October 11 at 7.30 p.m.) SYDNEY. October 11. Miss Jean Batten arrived at Darwin to-day at 11.13 a.m. (Sydney time), from Koepang, NEW PLYMOUTH, October 11. Although, according to an earlier cable, Miss Batten has announced her intention of flying from England to New Plymouth, no definite arrangements have yet been made for her reception at the aerodrome. The NewPlymouth Airport, Hoard cabled her a message that, would be awaiting Miss Batten on her arrival at Darwin today.