NEXT TASMAN FLIGHT.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12535, 29 December 1933, Page 6

NEXT TASMAN FLIGHT.

SOUTHERN CROSS COMING SOON TAKE-OFF FROM RICHMOND. Early on the morning of .January 11. weather permitting, the Southern Cross will take off from the Royal Australian Air Force aerodrome at Richmond, New South Wales, and begin its flight to New Zealand, arriving at New Plymouth in the iate afternoon, Mr Wilfrid Kingsford Smith stated yesterday. Richmond aerodrome has been decided on inetqnad of Gcrringoug Bench, from which Sir Charles Ivingsford Smith took off for his last flight to New Zealand, owing to the unsuitability of the tides there.

The Southern Cross is undergoing a complete overhaul in readiness for the trans-Tasman flight. Fresh bracing wires are being fitted and a new skin, is being made to replace the old fabric. One engine is to he replaced, and the other two are undergoing a complete overhaul. Sir Charles estimates that he has flown 30.000 passengers in his “old bus” without a single injury to passenger or spectator. Advice which Mr Kingsford Smith has received from Squadron-ljeader T. W White, who is assisting: in the completion of the Codock monoplane in Sydney, is that it will be ready iii two or three weeks. The undercarriage parts are all finished, and wheels ready to he put on. All tail unit parts are finished, engines have been put in, the 52ft wing is complete, and the two standard 36-gallon tanks are ready For the* Tasman flight extra tankage will be carried in the cabin and removed on arrival in New Zealand.

Squadron-Leader White will fly the Codock across the Tasman in February to- join the Southern Cross, and the two monoplanes will complete the latter half of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith’s tour together.

SECOND EDITION