TEST FLIGHT PLANNED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26717, 11 March 1948, Page 7

TEST FLIGHT PLANNED

KING’S AIRCRAFT FOR ROYAL TOUR VISIT TO BOTH DOMINIONS From A. W. Mitchell, N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent Rec. 8 p.m. LONDON, Mar. 10. Before the King and Queen and Princess Margaret leave on their tour of New Zealand and Australia I understand that Wing Commander E. W. Tacon, D. 5.0., D.F.C., A.F.C., formerly of Hastings, who commands the King’s Flight under Air Commodore E. H. Fieldsn, C. 8.. D.F.C., A.F.C., will fly out to both dominions in one of the King’s Vikings to visit all airfields likely to be used during their Majesties’ visit. Wing Commander Tacon made a similar proving flight to South Africa prior to the royal tour, during which, of course, he flew the King’s aircraft. Their Majesties" made five flights in the Union. The King’s Flight is comprised of four Vikings, one is used by the King, another by the Queen, and the third by the staff. The fourth is a mobile workshop. The Viking is a twin-engined civil aircraft designed by Vickers. It is a low-winged metal monoplane with a cruising speed of 250 miles an hour and a normal range of 1000 miles. For the flights to Australia and New Zealand, extra petrol tanks are expected to be fitted. Wing Commander Tacon recently returned from leave in New Zealand. He is now back at the R.A.F. station at Benson, near Oxford, the headquarters of the King's Flight. Princess Margaret Thrilled Princess Margaret is thrilled at the thought of accompanying the King and Queen to New Zealand and Australia next year. The royal family is now “ grooming ” Princess Elizabeth’s sister for Tnore intense public life. Princess Margaret, who will be 18 in August, is sft 2in in height and is slimmer and darker-haired than Princess Elizabeth, whom she has missed greatly since the wedding. Fashion designers, with an eye to dollar markets, have been building her name to become synonymous with all that is best in British fashion. She often sketches the dress designs for herself. Australian Director Lieutenant-general F. H. Berryman. G.O.C. Eastern Command, has been appointed director of the royal tour of Australia. No definite itinerary has yet been drawn up, but tentative proposals envisage that their Majesties will travel in the Vanguard via Panama. After the tour of New Zealand in late February, which is expected to last about 16 days, the royal party will come to Sydney and on to Canberra, from where their tour will begin. It is thought its duration will be from 10 weeks to three months. Visit by Prime Ministers Although it has been suggested in the London press that Mr Chifley and Mr Fraser may come to London to discuss arrangements for the royal tour of New Zealand and Australia, neither New Zealand House nor Buckingham Palace authorities have at present any information to confirm this. The New Zealand High Commissioner in London, Mr W. J. Jordan, said he had recently written to Ml" Fraser suggesting that he might visit, the United Kingdom, but did not know whether this would be possible. It is stated at the palace that an announcement as to when the tour would take place would be made at the earliest possible date, but that no details as to the route and time occupied by the tour, or any engagements which may be made by their Majesties have yet been decided. Any calls made by the Vanguard at British South Pacific possessions when en route to New Zealand after passing through the Panama canal will depend upon the length of time likely to be occupied by such visits