AIRWAYS RECORD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24630, 11 June 1941, Page 4

AIRWAYS RECORD

CHRISTCHURCH TO DUNEDIN *A 56-MINUTE TRIP Aided by a strong following wind, the Union Airways' Lockheed Electra airliner Kahu, piloted by Commander J. N. Jackson, and with six passengers on board, yesterday covered the 214 miles from Christchurch to Dunedin in the record time of 56 minutes. At times the liner was travelling at '24o miles an hour. Leaving Christchurch at 1 p.m., th« Kahu arrived at the Taieri aerodrome at 1.56. The trip normally takes about 90 minutes, and the speed generally ranges from 150 to 170 miles an hour. The trio was stated to have been a pleasant one until the Otago Harbour was reached, when two heavy "bumps" were experienced, and one engine of the plane gave trouble. The wind, generally a head one on this route, was following and strong, and, of course, assisted the liner considerably. The trip from Auckland tool; about four hours. Some fast times have been recorded on the Dunedin-Christchurch. hop in the Dast, and the north-bound record stands at 55 minutes. It was established by Mr D. Whitr about two years and a-half ago. NORTH ISLAND SERVICE INTERRUPTION OF FLIGHT (PA.) NEW PLYMOUTH, June 10. Meeting bad weather,the.Union Airways - Lockheed plane bound from Palmerston North to Auckland landed at Hawera this afternoon, and aftev disembarking three passengers, who went to New Plymouth by road, returned to Palmerston North. A special flight to, Auckland will be made by the Diane this morning >o that the normal service may be resumed. -,' ]_■