CUPPER DELAYED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23748, 30 August 1940, Page 8

CUPPER DELAYED

ADVERSE WEATHER RETURN TO NOUMEA NOW EXPECTED TO-MORROW Because of an unfavourable weather report from Auckland, Pan American Airways' American Clipper returned to Noumea yesterday after completing more than half of her journey to New Zealand. The forecast was still adverse last night, making continuation of the flight extremely unlikely to-day, and, according to the company's agents, Henderson and Macfarlane, Limited, it is now expected that the Clipper will arrive at Auckland about 2.30 p.m. to-morrow. The decision to turn back yesterday .was made at about 11.30 a.m., when the Clipper was five hours out from Noumea. Arrangements Altered Because of the delayed arrival, considerable alterations have been necessary to- the programme of hospitality ' for the party of prominent Americans ' on board the Clipper, and plans had not I been completed last night. It is still ' hoped to welcome the visitors on behalf j of the city at a gathering in the Town ! Hall council chamber, which, if held, will take place at 5 p.m. to-morrow, with the deputy-mayor, Mr. J. A. C. Allum, presiding, in tho absence of the Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis. The State dinner, it is now expected, will be held at the Grand Hotel tomorrow evening. The Minister of Lands, the Hon. F. Langstone. who arrived from Wellington yesterday, will preside. Because the duration of the visitors' stay in New Zealand is not yet definitely known, plans for - showing them some of the scenic attractions of the North Island are in abeyance. Passengers' Plans Originally seven of the 14 visitors were to return to the United States by the Clipper to-morrow. The Clipper's departure time is now uncertain, but tho agents said last night that it would probably leave on Monday. The other seven were to travel to Sydney by Tasman . Empire Airways' flying-boat on. Monday, and, while postponement of the flight until Tuesday was under consideration last night, no decision had been reached. , ■ - ' The closing time for mails on the Clipper's return flight was originally 10 a.m. to-day. Although no announcement had been made last night, it is likely that some alteration will be made owing to the Clipper's later departure. THE TASMAN SERVICE AOTEAROA DUE TO-DAY PROGRAMME FOR WEEK-END The Tasman Empire Airways' flyingboat Aotearoa, commanded by Captain ,T. W. Burgess, is expected from Sydney fearly this afternoon. The Aotearoa, which left for Sydney last Friday, was originally scheduled to return last Sunday, but the trip was postponed. The sister ship, the Awarua, will leave for Sydney to-morrow, and is scheduled to return on Sunday. Originally one of the flying-boats was to leave for Sydney again on Monday, and, while it is unlikely that this plan will be altered, the question of postponing the flight for the convenience of American passengers on the delayed American Clipper was under consideration last night. . ' • • ,