TASMAN FLIGHT

Hokitika Guardian, 1 September 1927, Page 4

TASMAN FLIGHT

AUCKLAND PROJECT. Auckland, Aug. 30. It seems fairly evident that before very long the Tasman Sea will bo crossed in an aeroplane. At present there are several rival crews in Australia and Now Zealand and in other countries further away, each hoping to raise money with which to purchase aircraft to essay this flight. In 1921, Mr H. J. Wilson, of Auckland, first suggested such a flight., and endeavoured to get hacking. Two years later, the matter was placed beforo Cabinet, who approved of a, flight being attempted by Captain George Bolt, Mr Wilson, and a navigator. -A small subsidy was granted by the Government but the full amount required coidd not ho obtained. Since then, the Government lias decided to purchase the machine used at four-fifths of its cost, provided the machine was of a certain type. Negotiations are still proceeding.

B.v mail to-day, the organiser, Mr Wilson, received a letter from Mr Eliot Davis, of Auckland, who is at present in London, and has interested himself in the flight, stating that Mr Graham .White, one of England's pioneers in aviation had- the matter in hand at the London end. Mr Graham White has been collaborating with Sir Alan Cobham. Both thsee famous airmen aro assisting the three New Zealanders, particularly in the matter of organisation and the selection of a machine. Lieutenant lan Keith, of Auckland, is now interested in this particular project. Two young Wellington airmen. Lieutenant Moncrieff and Lieutenant Horace Lloyd, are spoken of as “dark horses. 3 ’ It is reported in Auckland that they have ordered a Ryan monoplane fitted with a Wright radial engine, similar to the machine used by Captain Lindbergh on his famous New York to Paris flight. It was also stated that this machine, which would do the trip quite easily, given favourable weather, was on the water, and would be arriving at V' ellington during the next fortnight.