ACROSS THE TASMAN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 12 April 1934, Page 5

ACROSS THE TASMAN

FAITH IN AUSTRALIA ARRIVAL AT NEW PLYMOUTH (By Telegraph—Press Association) NEW PLYMOUTH, This Day. The first air mail from Australia to New Zealand was landed safely at New Plymouth aerodrome at 31.53 by Ulm in the Faitli in Australia, after a flight of 16 hours 46 minutes, from Sydney. H.M.S. Dunedin, which was in the port of New Plymouth, picked up a message earlier that Ulm had sighted Mt. Egmont at 10.27 and expected to land at 11.30. The ’plane was first sighted at 11.45, and flew in from the sea right over New Plymouth, and landed safely at 11.53. The airmen were given an enthusiastic welcome, speeches being delivered by Mr A. F. Sandford, president of the New Plymouth Aero Club, Mr S. G. Smith, M.P., Mr E. R, Gilmour, Mayor, and Sir Hubert Wilkins. Ulm and Allen replied. Ulm apologised for tilt, delay in landing, stating that the 'plane had been delayed by head winds. . The sorting of the mail was immediately put in hand, and the mail will be dispatched by Defence Force ’planes to Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. When the Faith in Australia was landing into the stiff breeze, it just skimmed the fence, touching it with the tail wheel and'carrying away the top wire. Fortunately trie landing was not affected, and the undercarriage was not damaged. Immediately on landing the mail van was run up to the .’plane, and the unloading of the mail was commenced with such expedition that 19 minutes later the quotas for North and South Island centres were dispatched. Three ’planes participated in the distribution, two air force machines, a Fairey 3F and a Puss Moth hopping off to Auckland and Wellington, the latter carrying Christchurch mail as well, and a third east coast mail making across country to Napier. The last-named was first away, .followed by the Auckland and the Wel-lington-Christchurch ’planes. The weather was glorious for the landing of Ulm’s ’plane and the despatch of the home ’planes, the mountain standing out magnificently in the strong sunlight. Ulm and his companions, G. V. Allen and R. B. Boulton, were welcomed by the Mayor, Mr E. Gilmour, and were greeted by Sir Hubert Wilkins, the famous explorer, who had not met Ulm since the latter and Sir Charles Kingsford Smith purchased the Southern Cross from Sir Hubert Wilkins after the Arctic adventure. As H.M.S. Dunedin was in port, RearAdmiral Burges Watson was also present. News regarding progress of the flight was received in New Plymouth through H.M.S. Dunedin, whose officers were in constant touch throughout the night with the S.S. Kalingo, off the Australian coast, the Kalingo being able to communicate with the ’plane. Bad weather was experienced at the start of the flight, when a leak in the main petrol tank was discovered and caused anxiety. The ’plane was then 200 miles from Sydney, and things were bumpy. A member of the crew held his hand oyer the hole in the tank till the engineer made repairs. The cause of the trouble was a sprung rivet. From early this morning a few messages were received. At 7 am. Ulm reported that, lie was 300 miles off New Zealand and did not expect to make New Plymouth airport till 11 a.m., though steady progress was made.!. It was reported at 11 a.m. that the ’plane would be another hour; and seven minutes before noon the ’plane was safely on the ground. When interviewed Ulm said he was indefinite about the details of his immediate future movements, though he intends to leave to-morrow for Ninety Mile Beach. Referring to the flight Ulm said: “It was not a worse flight than our last Tasman crossing, It was just a different one. We knew we were going to meet head winds on the crossing and that the flight would take longer than originally anticipated. We did meet head winds of an average velocity of about 25 m.p.h. At no time during tlie flight did we experience any anxiety. For the first three hours out from Richmond the weather became steadily worse but after that conditions improved, and for the major part of the journey we were flying in good conditions. Mt. Egmont wa,s visible for a good distance at sea.’’ Ulm added that he considered a Tasman mail and passenger service would be An established fact in the next two years He was planning, ne said, for the formation of a company to that end. He would be negotiating with the New Zealand and Australian Governments Ulm said he was extremely pleased to be greeted by Sir Hubert Wilkins on landing. Although he knew the explorer was in New Zealand he did not expect to see him. He was looking forward to a long talk with Sir Hubert on his past experiences.

UNFAVOURABLE WEATHER START FROM SYDNEY (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) SYDNEY, 11th April. Ulrn took off at 5.7 p.m. from Richmond. Tim weather was cool, occasionally overcast and showery. The postal mail van arrived after lunch loaded with 39,000 letters, weighing slightly more than five cwt. The Weather Bureau’s forecast prior to departure was discomforting. There were dense cloud formations over the Tasman and strong head winds for practically the whole trip. Ulrn remarked before leaving: “It looks like a long, hard flight. We may have to turn back, but we will not be far over the Tasman if such a. decision is necessary. Arrangements have been made for - us to land at Richmond by flares.” Ulm’s crew includes J. V. Allen, co pilot, navigator and wireless operator, and R. T. Bolton, engineer. The rain-sodden aerodrome necessitated a longer take-off than usual. The monoplane took 700 gallons ol petrol, sufficient for 23 hours’ flying. Her destination is New Plymouth, and the trip is expected to occupy sixteen to eighteen hours. (Received 12th April, 1 a.m.) SYDNEY, 11th April. It was difficult to obtain information in Sydney to-night concerning the progress of film’s Tasman flight. However, Mrs Ulrn, who received messages, reported at 10.15 p.m. that the monoplane was still heading for New Zealand, everything going well. She added that her husband expected to be met by military aeroplanes which would take the mails to the principal cities of the Dominion. Ho hoped to return to Australia on Saturday or Sunday. Prior to leaving this afternoon Ulm received a telegram frm Mr H. Brown.. Commonwealth Director of Postal Services, wishing him the best of luck. The telegram was much appreciated. Some difficulty was encountered m starting the starboard engine, causing a delay of fiftv minutes. A hearty cheer was given by the small crowd when the Faith in Australia rose gracefully after a splendid take-off. . \ private message was received from Allen aboard the monoplane saying: At 9.28 p.m. everything O.K. with us.