AVIATION IN FIJI.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20563, 14 May 1930, Page 8

AVIATION IN FIJI.

FORMER CAPITAL VISITED. MISHAP. ON LANDING. SLIGHT DAMAGE TO MACHINE. OCCUPANTS ESCAPE INJURY. [from oun own conrtEsroNDEXT.] SUVA. May 8. Flying in Fiji is not without its hazards. Tlio Ilerrnes-Spartan biplane which has been used for commercial aviation in the group sinco tlio beginning of April has had tlio misfortune to be involved in two minor accidents, causing slight damage to tlio wings and undercarriage. Tho first mishap occurred when tho machine struck a soft portion on tho beach at Suva several weeks ago. Both wcro duo lo the lack of tested landing grounds, from which it is increasingly evident that Fiji, with its sheltered bays, is far better adapted for seaplanes than aeroplanes. The numerous islands afford both ideal river stretches and harbours protected by barrier reefs. Tlio first flight of considerable distance was mado recently by Captain Fenton, with Sir Maynard Hedstrom, M.L.C., as passenger. Tho aeroplane, left Suva in the early afternoon, her destination being Levuka, tho former capital of tho group, 50 miles distant, which was reached less than an hour later. Tho inter-island steamer accomplishes tho trip in eight hours. Largo Crowd Assembles. Tho journey, a portion of which traversed tlio sea, was mado under ideal Hying conditions. It was necessary to light a smoke signal to indicate to the pilot the direction of tho wind. Although some years ago Levuka was visited by a seaplane, imported on trial by tlio Government, practically the whole of the inhabitants gathered to witness tho conclusion of what was to them an epic flight. As soon as it was ascertained by telephone that tho aeroplano had safely left Suva a crowd, as motley as it was interested, had collected at tho place where the aeroplane was to land. A light - sea breeze made landing awkward, as tho pilot was unablo to make full uso of the landing-ground, which was tho firm beach at. the mission station of Tokou, some three miles south of the township. As the machine landed, a sharp turn to avoid the palms fringing the beach caused it to nosedive. Damage to tho wings and tinder-carriage resulted, but neither pilot nor passenger was injured. It was impossible to make the return journey by arir and the machine was shipped back by steamer to Suva, where repairs havo been effected. Need for Aerial Service. Captain Fenton expressed himself as completely satisfied with the engine performance and air-worthiness of the Spartan. Sir "Maynard Hedstrom, whose home at ono tinio was in Levuka, said that when a lad at school he had never thought it would bo his lot to bo one of the j first two men to accomplish the journey by aeroplano. It was "unfortunato that the accident occurred, as had tho machine not been damaged passenger flights would probably have been mado. Naturally, the mishap has had a slight damping effect on tho enthusiasm with which aviation in the islrtnd wa3 first received, but', nevertheless, there are still many eager to take the air. As yet no regular inter-island services have been inaugurated, but as soon as the experiment.;! stage is passed they will bo a, natural development. At present tho main Centres are accessible by steamer services and' the more remote islands may bo reached by sailing cutter. An aerial service, which, owing to the close proximity of. tho islands to one another, would not; need to be very extensive, would greatly facilitate transport and mail communication.