N.Z. AIRMAN AT DARWIN

Kaikoura Star, Volume LVI, Issue 88, 9 November 1936, Page 2

N.Z. AIRMAN AT DARWIN

MR CLARK TO FLY TASMAN WHEN WEATHER PERMITS DARWIN, November 5. The New Zealand “flying farmer,” Mr Ernie Clark, unexpectedly arrived at the Darwin aerodrome at 11 a.m. (local time), after a 10 days’ flight from London. Air Clark declined to be vaccinated by the local quarantine officer, and his application for a dispensation has been telegraphed to Canberra for consideration. He is anxious to leave Darwin for the south as early as possible. Air Clark also announced his intention of flying the Tasman from Sydney to New Zealand as soon as the weather permitted. Air Clark said the reason why ho desired exemption from vaccination was that he did not want to be ill crossing the Tasman, probably within a week. Relating his experiences, he said he 'lid all the flying ho could in daylight, but had an unenviable experience between Singapore and Palembang. Tho sun set an hour earlier than he was led. to believe, and when night fell he got lost. He. continued along the coast for hours. When he located the lights of Palembang he cruised overhead. Residents apparently heard the droning of the machine, and cars gathered on the golf links, formed a square, and turned their headlights on to a fairway, enabling him eventually to land safely. He crossed the Timor Sea in less than five hours. A Canberra message says that Dr. Earle Page, Alinister for Cornemrce, stated in the House of Representatives this afternoon that the Commonwealth Government had no option but to insist on Air Clark’s vaccination against smallpox, since he had touched several Eastern cities and villages. The Government was taking the utmost precautions since the development of overseas aviation. Air Clark’s alternative was to remain in quarantine for the statutory period at Darwin.