AVIATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17941, 21 May 1920, Page 4

AVIATION

FLIGHT TO MOUNT COOK. (Per United Press Association.) TIMARU, May 20. Captain Euan Dickson was to have flown from the Sockburn aerodrome to Mount Cook and back to Fairlie to-day. A wintry storm delayed the start from Sookburn from 8 till 11. Two hours were lost on the way to Fairlie, a descent being made at Pearse's farm, Waitohi, for petrol, driving against a head wind having run the supply short. It, was expected at starting to reach Fairlie at 12.30, and a largo number of people, including many by car from Timaru, awaited the arrival in keen wintry weather, the surrounding hills being white to the foot. The Avron hove in sight over Brothers Hill, 3COO feet high, about 3 p.m., and, after some fancy stunts, a good landing was effected in a paddock near the township. Captain Dickson stated that he had a 30-mile wind against him. The actual flying time of 100 miles wus Z\ hours. The pilot and the passengers (Messrs R. Wigley and R. L. Banks) are stated to have enjoyed the trip despite the cold. An average height of 3000 feet jwas kept, and the course ran just seaward of Geraldine, across the Wiaitohi Downs, and up the Totara Valley. Snow 'fell at the Hermitage in the morning. Later it cleared, and fine weather is expected tomorrow, and a start will be made for Mount Cook at 8 a.m.