‘SOUTHERN CROSS’ MAY MAKE FLIGHT TO N.Z. NEXT WEEK

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6699, 28 August 1928, Page 7

‘SOUTHERN CROSS’ MAY MAKE FLIGHT TO N.Z. NEXT WEEK

Smith and Companions Reach Adelaide Safely “BEST NIGHT TRIP I’VE EVER MADE” United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph —Copyright. Received Monday 9.20 p.m. ADELAIDE, Aug. 27.. The Southern Cross, with Squadron Leader C. E. Kingsford-Smith, M.C., A.F.C., pilot, Flight-Lieut. O.' T, P Ulm, A.F.C., co-pilot, Mr. EL A. Litchfield, navigator, Mr. T. H. McWilliams, wireless operator, and a passenger, Mr. Broadhurst, aboard, arrived ahead of time. The party were officially welcomed by the Government. 1 •' , Squadron-Leader Kingsford-Smith stated that it was the best.flight at night ho had ever made. Ho added he hoped to commence the flight to New Zealand next week. ' ARRANGEMENTS WELL IN HAND AT CHRISTCHURCH. CHRISTCHURCH Last Night. It is possible that before another week has passed tho eagerly awaited flight of tho Southern. Cross from Australia to Christchurch will have taken place, and the last link in the air route from England to this Dominion will have been forged. Preparations have. ■ been completed both for the reception of the fliers and for the handling of the crowd. [ , As far as is; known at present, the flight will- take place about the first week in September; ; It is necessary, however, to be prepared for very short, notice of the definite date. The public will be’ able to witness the landing from the old Canterbury Park racecourse near the aerodrome. For the entertainment of the spectators exhibitions of flying and stunting will be given by the aerodrome staff. Messages received' from the aviators will be announced. A special short wave wireless receiving set has been installed at the aerodrome. ■ , ■■ Messages received ■in Morse code from the Southern Cross will be translated and repeated to the public through high-powered', loud speakers, which will be- placed at various parts of the ground. It will thus be 'Possible for the people who are awaiting the arrival *of the aviators to follow the flight minutely. The arrangements in regard to the reception of the news have , been made by the Canterbury Radio Society. Elaborate plans have been made for handling the traffic. SOUTHERN CROSS’.RIVAL ISSUES A CHALLENGE TO SmTH FOR TASMAN RACE. CERTAIN CONDITIONS IMPOSED. SYDNEY, Aug. 27. . A challenge to an air race across the Tasman was issued at the week-end by Mars Brundol, on behalf of Lieutenant Rap Paper and Lexius Burlington, to the Southern Cross fliers, and a telegram was sent by Brundel to Adelaide for delivery to Smith and Dim upon their arrival from Western Australia announcing the challenge. One of tho conditions is that neither navigators nor 'radio operators bo employed. ,; : Brundol’s men would uso the Ryan one-engined monoplane now in bond. With which Captain Moody intended to carry out aerial operations in Now Guinea. '■ : J : : ■.' Brundel declared; that his men were prepared to show the world that flying to Now Zealand was not unduly dangerous. ' ;V