TRANS-TASMAN FLIGHT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18887, 9 December 1924, Page 11

TRANS-TASMAN FLIGHT.

NEW ZEALAND EFFORT.

BEATING THE AMERICANS.

An interesting address 011 the proposed trans-Tasman flight by New Zealand airmen was delivered by Mr. H. J. Wilson at. yesterday's luncheon gathering of the Auckland Rotarv Club.

The speaker drew attention 'to the fact that while the pioneers of aviation had conquered vast spaces of sea and land, no airman had as yet crossed either the Pacific Ocean or the Tasman Sea. It. was extremely probable, however, that American aviators would cross the Tasman concurrently with the visit of the American Fleet to Australia and New Zealand next July. This was a matter which closely affected the pride of both countries, for unless the pioneer flight were made within the next few months, the honour would pass to American airmen. Mr. Wilson outlined the steps already taken by himself in connection with the trans-Tasman flight, to which the New Zealand Government had given its approval, and a preliminary grant of £300. He was now negotiating with Victors, Ltd., of England, for a large seaplane which would cost about .£*2 so. A sum of £2000 had a Ire.'J y been guaranteed, exclusive of the Government, grant. Ho concluded by asking members of the Rotary Club to give their moral support to the proposal. In thanking Mr. Wilson for his address, the president, Mr. K. Mackenzie, said Auckland would be extremely proud if the organisers could accomplish the flight. He wished them nil success in the venture. The special musical item was a wellrendered concertina solo by Mr. W. Sheplev.