AVIATION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 31 March 1930, Page 2

AVIATION

AUSTRALIA-ENGLAND FLIGHT

SMITH AND SHIERS FORCED DOWN H ' ■ RELIEF PARTY SETS OUT (United Press Association— By Electric* Telegraph-Copyright) SYDNEY, 30th March. Smith and Shiers in the 'plane City of Sydney, flying from Newcastle Waters to Wyndham, whence they intended to hop off on the flight to Europe, were within about 50 miles of their objective on Saturday, when they were forced to make a landing in wild country beside the Ord river. They managed to find a stretch of hard barren ground and came down without damage to tho machine. The radio was working efficiently and they Were able to report the mishap. A relief party left Wyndham late in the afternoon for the spot and expect to return to-day. The fliers were unhurt. A message received through Amalgamated Wireless says tho 'plane should be seen easily from the air. Tho men have emergency rations sufficient for several days. It is believed the landing was made on the Carlton reach of Ord river, between Ivanhoe and Argyle downs.

NO TRACE OF MEN (Received 31st March, 9.15 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. The latest advices from Wyndham concerning the City of Sydney airmen are disquieting. In a message from the 'plane at 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon Smith and Shiers obviously indicated that they were considering a dash for the nearest station. At that period their food was low but water was plentiful. As the machine carries no receiving set the airmen do not know whether their messages are being received. Many search parties are out, one since 3.15 p.m. on Saturday and another from daylight. on Sunday. A posse from Wyndham returned and reported having gone 30 miles past the spot where the men were supposed to have landed. Wyndham received a wireless from the 'plane at 6.15 p.m. yesterday stating that their batteries were low and they appealed for food to be sent immediately. Ilealey's party, which has returned, searched the east side of Ord river. OBservation is difficult in a motor car owing to the long grass. . A party has been sent to search the other side on horseback. Mr Healey thinks an aeroplane will be necessary to locate the airmen's position.