N.Z. FLIGHT.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LI, Issue 16878, 5 November 1925, Page 9

N.Z. FLIGHT.

INTREPID PILOT. KINGSFORD SMITH’S TRY. MELBOURNE, Oct. 23.—Captain Kingsfordl Smith's proposal to fly from Australia to New Zealand is still awaiting Alinisterial sanction. The fact that the Minister for Defence, Sir Neville' Ilowse, is busily engaged electioneering, may have something to do with the delay. Captain Kingsford Smith, one of Australia’s most su:cessful and intrepid pilots, wrote to the Defence Alimster more than a. month ago, outlining his proposal to flv the 1300 miles between Australia and New Zealand, a feat that luis never yet been attempted. The aviator intimated that, ns Mar as the monetary end of the undertaking was concerned he had been assured of plentiful support. Sir Neville Howse went into tlie matter with officers of bis department, and on October 3 wrote to tlie aviator. The nature of file .Minister’s reply lias not been clisdosed. but it drew from Captain Kingsford Smith a further letter, which has not yet come under the notice of Sir Neville Howse. This morning Senator Crawford, trie Assistant Defence Minister, and Mr Trumble, Secretary of the Defence Department, spent some hours going through (he correspondence which, together with reports of a confidential nature that had been supplied by the aviation authorities, already amounts to a huge file. , Tt - will be necessary for Cantain Kingsford Smith to secure a flying boat which has passed certain tests required by the Civil Aviation Department. It is understood that the machine which the aviator has in mind is at present in Sydney, and is 'H'ivatelv owned. Tt. is fitted with two Rolls Rovce engines. Kingsford 'Smith is believed to have informed the Defence Denavtment that the cost of reconditioning this machine has already been guaranteed to him.