THE TASMAN FLYERS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20522, 25 September 1928, Page 10

THE TASMAN FLYERS.

DUNEDIN ARRANGEMENTS. RECEPTION AT WINGATUI. AIRMEN EXPECTED ABOUT 1.30 P.M. According to advice received by the Mayor (Mr W. B. Taverner) yesterday afternoon from Squadron-Leader Kings-ford-Smith, the visiting airmen will not land at Wingatui until about half past one this afternoon, as they will make a short stop at Oamaru on their way from Christchurch. In favourable weather, the flight from Christchurch should occupy about two hours and a-half, but should adverse winds be encountered a landing may have to be made at Timaru to replenish the tanks of the machines, which hold only sufficient petrol for a threehours’ flight. In this case, the landing at Wingatui will be delayed, and arrangements have been made accordingly. From the racecourse, the crowd will have an uninterrupted view of the landing, and ns soon as the machines reach the ground the flyers will be escorted to a platform, which has been erected in front of the lawn, and accorded a civic reception. To enable the public to hear the speakers a large loud speaker has been installed and arrangements have also been made to broadcast the landing and the function. At the conclusion of the reception, Squadron-Leader Kingsford-Smith, Flight-Lieutenant Ulm. Mr Litchfield (navigator), and Mr M’Williatn (wireless operator) will be motored to Dunedin, and in the evening they will be tendered a social evening at Tudor Hall. A telegram was sent to Mr P. R. Climie, secretary of the Flight Committee, Christchurch, yesterday, suggesting that the airme.n delay their departure from Dunedin long enough to enable the official luncheon to be held tq-morrow, but a reply was received last night stating that the return flight must be commenced not later than 11 a.m. _ The ai - - rangements for the luncheon will therefore have to be cancelled. WILL FLY UP HARBOUR. The Mayor of Port Chalmers (Mr T. Anderson) has received the following telegram from Snnadron-Lcader Kings-ford-Smith and Flight-Lieutenant Ulm: “ Will be glad to accede to your request to fly over Port Chalmers and up harbour on our visit to Dunedin.” DEPARTURE FROM WINGATUI. WEATHER VERY BOISTEROUS. (Per United Press Association.) WANGANUI, September 24. The airmen left Wcstmere at 11.15 a.m. for Blenheim. The weather was very boisterous, a strong westerly gale blowing. About 300 people journeyed out to witness the take-off, which was accomplished most successfully, in spite of the shifty wind, which blew with great force at times. The flyers circled over the city, and then proceeded south. ROUGH TRIP TO BLENHEIM. PLANES SEVERELY BUFFETED. (Per United Press Association.) BLENHEIM, September 24. The Bristol planes arrived at Blenheim at 1.18 p.m. The flyers report a terrible tri n from Wanganui. They were buffeted all the way in head wiuds and rainstorms. After landing here they decided to stay the night, leaving early to-morrow for Christchurch. s THE SOUTHERN PROGRAMME. SHORT STOP AT OAMARU. (Per United Press Association.) BLENHEIM, September 24. Squadron-Leader Kingsford-Smith and party will leave Blenheim at 6.30 a.m. tomorrow, and will land at Sockburn for fuel, reaching Oamaru at 1 , ..40 a.m. There the proceedings will be strictly limited to one hour, as the flyers have a very big day ahead of them, the total flying being 375 miles. At Dunedin the airmen will be accorded a civic reception at Wingatui, followed in the evening by a party given by the R.S.A., the Aero Club, and the Otago Expansion League. On Wednesday the flyers will return to Christchurch, stopping en route at Timaru. They will land at Washdyke and proceed by car to Caroline Bay to attend a reception. BAD WEATHER FORECAST. SOUTHERN TOUR MAY BE CANCELLED. AVIATORS AFRAID OF BEING . DELAYED. (Per United Press Association.) BLENHEIM, September 24. In view of the very bad weather forecast issued to-night by the Government Meteorologist, Squadron-Leader Kings-ford-Smith and party are afraid that unless the indications in-the morning are more favourable they will he running a grave risk of being so delayed by storms in the south as to upset their entire schedule for the Blenheim-Sydney flight. Accordingly it may bo necessary to-mor-row regretfully to cancel all southern engagements. However, the flyers will be guided by the indications in the morning, and they will continue their tour if it is at all possible without running the risk of upsetting their arrangements for the return flight to Sydney. THE RETURN FLIGHT. ARRANGEMENTS FOR DEPARTURE. CHRISTCHURCH PRESENTATIONS. (Special to Daily Times.) CHRISTCHURCH, September 24. It is probable that at least £509 will be presented to Squadron-Leader KingslordSraith and Filgnt-Lieuteuant Ulm By the citizens of Christchurch The response that is now being made to the Mayor/s appeal for funds is very gratifying. A considerable sum was received this morning by Mr P. R. Climie (secretary of thc Flight Committee). It is expected that the funds in hand, augmented oy the sum that is expected will be realised by a street appeal on Wednesday, will easily reach £SOO. Mr Climie explained that the reason why the street collection w - as being taken up was that large numbers of people had suggested this course in order to permit people unable to give large amounts to contribute their small donations. Such people could not be expected to call on the organisers of the fund to pay their contributions. The city’s presentation to the flyers will b.c made at the citizen’s ball. In addition to the cheque which will be* handed to the flyers by the Mayor there will be at least three other presentations. Each member of the crew of the Southern Cross will be presented with an album containing photographs of the arrival of the Southern Cross and views of the city. A presentation will be made on behalf of the Canterbury Aero Club, and a presentation also on behalf of the Returned Soldiers’ Association. If any other presentations have been arranged they will also be made at the ball. Arrangements for the departure of the Southern Cross next Friday afternoon are now being finalised. In view of the fact that the departure will take place at 2 p.m., a time convenient to most people, it is .anticipated that there will be a very large crowd at Sockburn. A feature of the farewell to the Southern Cross at the Wigram Aerodrome on Friday will be the presence of thousands of school children. All children will he granted a holiday, and will he taken to the aerodrome under the control of the school teachers.

It is possible that portion of the aerodrome itself will be available to the public, as the ground to be used for the tqke off will be fairly well defined. If that' is possible it is proposed that the school children shall be lined up in front of the general public. Mr Climie at present is awaiting the return of Captain Findlay to consult with him as to the feasibility of this arrangement. It is suggested that the children should be armed with flags with which to wave good-bye to the flyers.