“A JOY-RIDE”

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18262, 4 December 1933, Page 9

“A JOY-RIDE”

FLIGHT FROM SYDNEY MR. ULM INTERVIEWED EXCELLENT CONDITIONS MANY CONGRATULATIONS (Per Press Association.) NEW PLYMOUTH, this day. In an interview to-day, Mr Charles Ulm said the flight was a joy-ride and the most perfect night flight he had ever made. Speaking of the departure from Sydney, Mr Ulm said they were fortunate, considering the very unsettled weather all the week, to get a break which justified them in starting. The metrological arrangements had boon good throughout, and the report aviiicli was made was justified by the conditions experienced. They took off from Richmond at 7.25 p.m. New Zealand time, and, with a run of 800vds., the plane was in the air. For * a start they were faced with a strong head-wind, 'but the metrological reports had indicated that at a height of 7000 ft, the effect of the wind would be much less, and this 'proved to be a correct forecast. On the ground, the wind was very strong, and on the surface of the sea it was about 30 miles an hour. When they reached 7000 ft. the wind had almost dissipated entirely, and the trip was practically uneventful. It had, in fact, been a delightful ride, and the ladies had enjoyed themselves enormously. FIRST SIGHT OF LAND The flight was made at a mean altitude of approximately 6000 ft. to 7000 ft. The plane travelled above a big bank of clouds most of the time, but visibility was good, and the flyers had a cloud horizon throughout the trip. When the sun went down, the moon was rising, but with nightfall they lost sight of the sea, which was not' seen again till daylight, when they got occasional glimpses through the clouds.

The Faith in Australia behaved beautifully all the way, and at times short .sleeps were taken by the ladies, who, at other times, indulged in a game of cards.

The first sight of New Zealand came at about 7.50 a.m. New Zealand time, when the party saw, away to t-lieir right, the point of Cape Farewell. Miss Rodgers had the honor of first sighting Egmont, the 'plane then being about 130 miles from the coast. They had a good view of the lofty peak, though there was a thick bank of cloud on its northern slopes. The average speed throughout the flight was about 95 miles per hour ground speed. < ‘When we took off,’’ said Mr Ulm, ‘‘ we never had the least doubt that we would get to New Zealand.” Messrs. Ulm, Allen, arid Boulton all took turns in the cockpit, there was nothing in the business,” said Ulm. “It was just a matter of sitting there and flying. The plane had a 260-gallon tank in the cabin, and the wing had 860-gallon capaoitvA They left Australia, with 700 galloiiiSf petrol, which was sufficient for a 21-hour trip at 100 miles an hour. They landed in under 14j- hours with a spare flying range of 650 miles, lheie seemed 'to"he little shipping along the route, and while several vessels were about the New South Wales coast, they saw nothing further until near the coast of New Zealand. Most of the ships they saw, or were in touch with, were within 600 miles of Sydney. The Faith in Australia did not deviate much from her course. SOUVENIRS OF TKII’ Mr. Ulm asked that his appreciation should be expressed to everybody who had co-operated in the undertaking. Special thanks were extended to the officials of the New Plymouth Aero Club. It was marvellous to see such a splendid aerodrome, and to know that it was being enlarged sufficiently to make it a practical landing ground for every kind of aircraft for the future.

Among those who greeted Mr. Ulm on his arrival at the ’drome was Major T. W. Wilkes,” Director of Air Services, and, during the interview, there arrived at the hotel an old friend and companion of former flights in the Southern Cross, Mr. H. McWilliams. A large bundle of telegrams was handed to the aviator during the interview, these including a message from Lord Bledisloe: “Welcome to New Zealand. Hearty congratulations on your Exploit.” The R-t. Hon. G. W. Forbes sent a message: “On behalf of the New Zealand Government I extend to you and your companions hearty congratulations on your flight across the Tasman. Your achievement again demonstrates the practicability of this further link between sister Dominions, and a very cordial welcome awaits you here.” Other telegrams included messages from Sir Charles Stathain, Mr. Wilfred Kingsford Smith, Mr. I). Ardell, of the Internal Affairs Department, several aero clubs of the Dominion, the Returned Soldiers’ Association, and Sir Henry YYigram. Among the articles carried over from Australia were letters from Mr. .1. A. Lyons and Mr. IL S. Stevens, Commonwealth and State Premiers to Mr. Forbes. Another interesting article was a greenstone carving of New Zealand and Australia, presented to him on the first Tasman flight of Fie Southern Cross. When it became known that he was again coming to New Zealand, the Christchurch Returned Soldiers’ Association. who made the presentation four years ago, made a request that he. should carry the trophy with hint so that they might add a bar to. the memento when lie came to Christchurch.