Defence Planes to the Rescue

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7044, 31 December 1932, Page 7

Defence Planes to the Rescue

SERIOUS PLIGHT OF STRANDED PASSENGER. CONSTANT SUPPLIES OP WATER NECESSARY United Press Association—By Eloctrie Telegraph—Copyright. MELBOURNE, Dec. 30. The plight of Mr P. Whelan (the passenger isolated through the capsize of Mr H, Baker’s aeroplane) is serious, according to messages received by the Defence Department from Major Brearley, of the Western Australia Airways. The Department has sent two Wapiti machines from Point Cooke to drop supplies to Mr Wlielan. Major Brearley says that the only hope of saving Mr Whelan is to keep on supplying water by air until the machines, assisted by a strong wind, can approach the edge of the lake and lift Mr Whelan off. LEG INJURED; FINGER BROKEN Received Friday, 10.30 p.m. PERTH, Dec. 30. It is now revealed that Whelan is suffering from an injured leg and broken finger sustained when the machine crashed. Pilot Baker announced Ms intention to attempt the succour Whelan by flying ou* in the damaged aeroplane in which he crashed, and making another landing on the lake. [Five days overdue, Mr. H. Baker’s aeroplane, carrying two passengers, who are trying to locate a gold Teef, is row reported safe at Cooke. The party made a forced landing, and the machine capsized in rough country. As temporary repairs did not enable the machine to rise, one of the passengers, Hr. Ik Whelan, was forced to remain behind with a small amount of provisions. A “Hercules” aeroplane returned to Forrest after locating Whelan about 215 miles to the north. No blacks were Sighted. It was then proposed to go to Whelan’s rescue on horseback, a journey which would probably take four weeks.]