First Air-liner Arrives

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 8, 10 January 1936, Page 6

First Air-liner Arrives

Landing at Milson Last Evening

TRIAL FLIGHTS BEGIN TO-DAY

The first of the intcr-Island air-liners has arrived. Flown from Christchurch yestorday, the Kotuku, ZK-AEF, DHBO machine belonging to Union Airways Ltd., landed at Alilsou aerodrome at 6.45 last evening with SquadronLeader Ai. C. AlcGregor at the Helm and Flying-Officer G. Af. Duthio as co-p Tot. Also on board woro Wing Commander T. Af. Wilkes, R.N.Z.A.F., Mr R. J. Gibbs, R.N.Z.A.F., radio operator, Mr W. P. Thornton, R.N.Z.A.F., mechanic, Air L. Alangham, chief ground engineer at Allison, Air D. C. Sinillio, assistant ground engineer, and Miss Juno Short, daughter of Mr and Airs W. G. Short, of Fcilding. As she stepped from tho 'plane, Miss Short declared that the trip had been a marvellous one. She was very enthusiastic over flying up from me south. Last out of tho “bus" was Squad-ron-Leader AlcGregor who was greeted with applause from the large crowd of interested spectators who had motored and cycled out from the city to witness the arrival. Then came cheers uml autograph hunters. Squadron-Leader McGregor described tho tup up as a good one. 'J lie journey from Christchurch to Blenheim had taken 1 hour 20 minutes and that from Blenheim to Palmor.uou North I hour 10 minutes which was longer than schedule time owing to their having diverted from the direct course to circle two or three times low down over Wellington. Tlio top speed had been about 145 m.p.h. It was when they reached Levin that the rain was encountered.

The lirst to pick out the machine as it appeared in tho southern sky as a mere speck, were a number of small boys whoso keen eyesight won for them this honour. “I see it—l see it," they all yelled in chorus. (Speedily the craft loomed into definite shape and impressively circled the 'drome preparatory to landing. The 800 horse-power of the four Gipsy-Six engines was produced with less noise.than one might have expected. This was commented upon by the spectators who also admired the streamlined cut of the airliner and i highly tapered wings. The Kotuku leaves again this morning ut 8.30 for Dunedin while another of the fleet will ■ make the northern journey at tho same time, arriving at Alilson this afternoon.

Official Opening of Service. The official opening of Union Airways’ trunk service takes place at Pulmerston North on Wednesday next, when an official flight will bo made from Dunedin to Palmerston North, with stops at Christchurch and Blenheim.

The three Do Huvillaud DHBO machines will be christened at the function arranged by the Mayor and councillors and the Alnnawatu Aero Club, the christening being done by the Post-master-General (Hon. F. Jones). Arrangements are being made to cope with a crowd of SHOD to 10,001). The trunk service will be inaugurated .the following day. Advice has been received by Air J. K. Hardio, town clcik, that the ceremony at Alilsou will start at 1.45 p.m. Tins is to be preceded by tin official iuncheun at the Roseo tearooms at noon where most of the speeches will bo delivered. The first 'plane will be dispatched by the Alinister at 2.0 p.m. Invitations to be present at the luncheon have been extended to representatives of neighbouring local bodies and leading officials while there will also be present representatives of Union Airways’ Ltd., East Coast Airways Ltd., and Cook .Strait Airways Ltd. Getting Ready. Alcanwhilc there is increased activity at Alilson where-the new hangar is nearer completion. A large numuer of men are engaged at present levelling the area immediately in front of the building while others were busy yesterday clearing the floor space inside tho hangar. All the drains have been lilted in but a casual glanco only reveals that there is much yet to be done. Yesterday a wireless transmitter and receiver were temporarily installed and tho signals from the Kotuku were heard at loud strength.