TRANSTASMAN FLIGHT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20074, 11 October 1928, Page 10

TRANSTASMAN FLIGHT.

SOUTHERN TRIP CANCELLED.

BRIGHTER WEATHER OUTLOOK. FINAL TEST OF MACHINE. [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] BLENHEIM, Wednesday. Tho weather report received to-night from tho Government meteorologist, Dr. E. Kidson, was not considered to justify the Southern Cross in leaving for Sydney to-morrow morning. However, it contained hope of a further improvement in the weather, and if tho morning report is good tho Southern Cross will bo filled np with potrol in readiness to start at 4.45 a.m. on Friday.

This morning Squadron-Leader Kingsford Smith and Flight-Lieutenant Ulm were on tho point of leaving in the Bristol planes for Christchurch when they received telegraphic advice from Dr. Kidson that it was desirable to stand by, as the weather might bo favourable to fly back to Australia to-morrow or Friday. At two o'clock this afternoon the machino was flown on a final test. -This was to test certain instruments, and Kingsford Smith stated on landing that everything was working well, and the plane was in good condition for the flight.

While the Southern Cross was away on her half-hour test, Flight,-Lieutenant Ulm carried out further service course flights in a Bristol fighter.. Tho Southern Cross was left outside tho hangar in readiness for refilling the fuel tanks, as it was thought to-night's report might have been favourable. Mr. Douglas Mill left for Christchurch in his Moth at 10.45 a.m. to-day.