RETURN FLIGHT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 11 October 1928, Page 5

RETURN FLIGHT

ACROSS THE TASMAN

TO START TOMORROW MORNING (By Telegraph—Press Association) BLENHEIM, This Day. The last few days' inactivity of the Southern Cross fliers came to an end yesterday with an announcement by Dr. 'Kidson that conditions were improving and that there was a prospect of favourable weather to-day or on Friday. Dr. Kidson at 9 o'clock this morning recommended a take off at 2 o'clock this afternoon, and orders were given to prepare the big 'plane for an immediate take off. She was refuelled and at midday was ready for the journey. A further report from Dr. Kidson at noon was considered, and the fliers decided to make a daylight trip and take ou - :l t 4.45 to-morrow morning, unless Dr. Kidson advises against this course. STATEMENT BY DR. KIDSON WELLINGTON, This Day. •'Although full reports have not' yet arrived from Australia, I would say the airmen would encounter better conditions on the other side of the Tasman if they started to-day than if they postponed the start till to-morrow, but the conditions close to New Zealand might be better to-morrow than to-day," said Dr. Kidson, who added that he was awaiting a special report from Melbourne. If a start is not made to-day or to-morrow a further delay is not improbable. Dr. Kidson received a message at midday from the aviators that they had decided not to start at 2 p.m. to-day as previously suggested, and that the start had been postponed till to-morrow morning, and then only if this evening's weather reports are favourable.