THE AIRSHIP MISSION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19730, 1 September 1927, Page 8

THE AIRSHIP MISSION.

SEEKING SUITABLE BASEL A SHORT FLIGHT MADE. UNFAVOURABLE WEATHER. The .leader of the Imperial Airship Mission, Gronp-Captain. P. F. M. Fellowes, made a flight yesterday afternoon, with Captain J. L. Findlay. as pilot, in the aeroplane brought up from Christchurch for the use of the mission in its search for a suitable Bite for an airship base. However, the weather was unfavourable, and after about half an hour the officers returned to the starting-point at Mr, Mcßae Peacock's. farm, Mangere.

Captain Fellowes stated last evening that the visibility was poor, and it was impossible to see any large area of country. The flight had been for the most part over Mangere. It was unfortunate that the weather had been unsuitable, because observations from the ground could not fully take the place of those made from the air. By the former method, in searching a large tract of country, it might be quite possible to miss an area suitable for the purpose in mind. However, the mission had visited districts both north and south of Auckland, and he hoped that further flights wonld be possible within the next few days. It had not been decided when he and Flight-Lieutenant Nixon would go to Wellington to confer with the Government.

An official welcome will be extended to the mission by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce at 11 o'clock this morning. It. is possible that Captain Fellowes will make the journey to Wellington with Captain Findlay by aeroplane.