MISSING AIRMEN

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 45, 21 January 1928, Page 8

MISSING AIRMEN

SMOKE SIGNALS AGAIN. SEARCHERS LEAVE FOR TARAItUAS. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Jan. 20. Mr Phillips', forest ranger has sent in a further report that what might be smoke signals bad again been seen by him in the ranges in the KirikiriSnowy River area. A party from Wellington left to investigate the area in question more fully. It was flown over previously by an aeroplane when the smoke was first reported. Tho locality has also been visited by settlers from Manga roa. Mr Vosseler, of the Tararua Tramping Club, stated to-night that full arrangements had been made for two particularly able buslinien to be obtained from near Featherston to make a special examination of the area where the supposed signals were reported to have been seen. Mr Vosseler said that it was difficult to predict when the search party would be back, but those who left 'Wellington this morning would probably reach the high country in the evening. The Secretary of the Post and Telegraph Department advises that he lias received a report from the postmaster at Featherston in which he states that Air Roberts, of Wakefield Street, Featherston, saw at 9.15 p.m. two smoke signals far back in the bush on the hills to the west of Featherston. llie smoke clouds quickly evaporated. The sky was cloudless at the time. Mr Roberts watched the locality closely for half an hour, but saw nothing further. The postmaster at Featherston further adds that Mr Roberts is a reliable man with a thorough understanding of smoke signals. The matter is being investigated by experienced buslinien. RELIEF FUND. LIST OPENED IN AUCKLAND. AUCKLAND, Jan. 20. The New Zealand Herald has opened a subscription list for the airmen’s widows. The first contribution of £IOO is made by the proprietors, Wilson and Horton, Lt-d.