“SMITHY" HELD UP

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 25 October 1934, Page 5

“SMITHY" HELD UP

Waves Drench Engine on Take Off From Beach PRECAUTIONS ON THE FLIGHT EMERGENCY MEASURES (Uoiteo Press Association —By Electrio Telegraph Copyright.'* SUVA, Oct. 24.. Sir Charles Kingsford Smith attempted to take off from Naselai beach to-day on the second stage of his transpacific flight, but the engine was drenched by the waves and the departure was postponed till to-morrow. Sir Charles took off from Suva this morning for Naselai beach at 10.15 and •arrived at 10.27, making a good landing. He experienced some difficulty in leaving the park at Suva owing to the direction of the wind, and narrowly cleared a hill at the rear of the park. Five hundred gallons of benzine was taken in at Naselai. Fijians gathered and watched the airmen’s preparations. An elderly chief presented Sir Charles with a walking stick and a whale’s tooth for luck.

The spark plugs and oil were changed and the engine was finally adjusted. The plane is carrying a bamboo rod for use as an aerial in the event of it being forced down. Fuel sufficient tor 4000 miles can be dumped in the event of a forced landing at sea, and the engine can be filed off in the hope of keeping the craft afloat for a considerable time.

Four Pacific liners are along the route Sir Charles intends to take. The airman made a long inspection of the beach. He said there was a in*sty crosswind but that the beach was in good order. After fueling the ’plane taxied up the beach. Coming down for the takeoff, the wind swung the tail round and fhe aeroplane dashed into the tide, spray' splashing high over the engine, from -which rose a cloud of steam. The ’plane was pushed high up on the beach, and it was discovered there was water in the engine. The departure was accordingly postponed till tomorrow.