FLYING IN FIJI.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 142, 15 May 1930, Page 6

FLYING IN FIJI.

MINOR ACCIDENTS TO ’PLANE. (Bv Telegraph.—Special to Standard.) . a AUCKLAND, May 15.Flying in Fiji is not without its hazards. The biplane which has been used for commercial aviation in the group-since the beginning of April has had the misfortune to be involved in tw T o minor accidents, causing slight damage to the wings and undercarriage, jr The first mishap occurred.when the .machine struck a soft portion on the beach at Suva several weeks ago. Both were due to a lack of tested landing grounds, from which it is increasingly evident that Fiji, with its sheltered bays, is far better adopted for seaplanes than aeroplanes. The numerous islands afford both ideal river stretches and the harbour is protected by barrier reefs. The first flight of considerable distance was made recently by Captain Fenton, with Sir Maynard Hedstroni a s a passenger. The aeroplane left Suva in the early afternoon, her destination being Levuka, the former capital of the group, 50 miles distant, which was reached in less than r.n hour. The inter-island steamer .accomplished the trip in eight hours. The journey was made under ideal flying conditions. . Although some years ago Levuka was visited by a seaplane imported on trial by :he Government, practically the whole of the inhabitants gatherfed to witness the conclusion of what was to them an epic flight. As soon as it was ascertained by telephone that the aeroplane had safely left Suva, a crowd as motly as it was interested had collected at the place where the aeroplane was to land. As the machine landed, a sharp turn to avoid the palms fringing the beach caused it to nosedive. Damage to the wings , and undercarriage resulted, but neither pilot nor passenger was injured. It was impossible to make the return journey by air, and the machine was shipped back by steamer to Suva, where repairs have been effected.