RECORD STORM

Hokitika Guardian, 23 March 1931, Page 3

RECORD STORM

AIR LINER MISSING. (Australian Press Association.) MELBOURNE, March 21. The worst gale for fifty years has thrashed the coastal districts ol Victoria for the past itwcnty-four hours. It has done much damage among the yachts ill Port Philip Bay, wrecking a number of them. The air liner “Southern Moon” has not been reported this morning. It is understood that she met heavy weather on the early part of her trip from Sydney to Melbourne. NO NEAVS OF IT YESTERDAY. SYDNEY, March 2i. The National Airways monoplane, “Southern Moon,” piloted by Captain Shortridge, carrying six passengers, which left Sydney yesterday (Saturday) afternoon, had not arrived at Melbourne at midnight, last night. The plane was last seen over Holbrook, near Albury, about midday yesterday. The storms on Friday night dislocated telegraph communications. Lieutenant Uhn presumes that Captain Shortridge has made a forced landing. LATER. Last night (Sunday) an appeal was broadcast for anyone who saw the “Southern Moon” on Saturday, to report it location at that time to Mascot Aerodrome. A MISSING PLANE. STILL NO NEWS. SYDNEY, March 22. Still no news of the missing Southern Moon, last reported over AALmgaratta, AHctoria, just over the border. Five planes are now searching and if not reported by 3.30 to-morrow morning, Ivingsford Smith and Ulm leave in separate planes to join in the search.