TASMAN FLIGHT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21698, 13 January 1934, Page 10

TASMAN FLIGHT

CROSSING PLANNED TO-DAY

SIR C. KINGSFORD SMITH THE CONDITIONS AT SEA WEATHER MUCH IMPROVED [by TELEGRAPH OWN correspondent] NEW PLYMOUTH, Friday Advice has been received that Sir Charles Kingsford Smith will definitely leave the Richmond aerodrome, near Sydney, in the monoplane Southern Cross for New Plymouth' at two o'clock to-morrow morning (4 a.m. New Zealand summer time). It was reported earlier this evening that weather conditions over the Tasman Sea had much improved, except in the vicinity of New Zealand, where the weather was unsettled and cloudy.

At Sydney, however, the weather was cool and pleasant and all preparations for the flight had been made. The flight to-morrow will be the ninth attempt at crossing the Tasman Sea by air. Of the eight attempts so far made only one was. unsuccessful. Sir Charles, has already crossed the Tasman four times, on three of which he was accompanied by Flight-Lieutenant C. T. P. Ulm. The latter made a flight on his own account last month, assembling his own and flying to New Zealand in the Faith in Australia. Succcessful crossings were made by Mr. Guy Menzies and Mr. F. C. Chichester. The former left Sydney secretly in a small aeroplane on January 7, 1931, and arrived in Westland 12 hours 12 minutas later, which is the record time for the flight. The latter flew by way of Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island.

The one unsuccessful, attempt was attended by tragedy, the New Zea-. land airmen, Captain G. Hood and Lieutenant J. R. Moncrieff, losing their lives. Theirs was the first attempt ever made to fly the Tasman Sea.

EVE OF THE START REST FOR THE CREW CROWD BEGINS TO GATHER (Received January 13, 1.35 a.m.) SYDNEY. Jan. 12 Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and tho crew of tho Southern Cross had several hours rest to-night prior to taking off for New Zealand. The crew consists of Sir Charles and his co-pilot, Captain J. T. Pethybridge, Captain P. G. Taylor, navigator, Mr. J. W. Stannage, wireless operator, and Mr. J. Percival, a journalist. The weather at Richmond Aerodrome to-night is perfect. Before Sir Charles retired he supervised the preparation of flares for the take-off. The trip is expected to -occupy 14J hours. The Southern Cross has a range of 18 hours. Toward midnight a crowd began to assemble to say farewell to the " old bus."