PARTS OF PLANE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18585, 20 December 1934, Page 13

PARTS OF PLANE

HAWAIIAN DISCOVERY

MAY EE ULM’S MACHINE

.WASHED UB ON ISLAND

EXPERTS NOT DECIDED

(Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Received Dee. 20, 2 p.m.) HONOLULU, Dec. 10. Two pieces of an aeroplane, possibly ilii' Star of Australia, were found this morning on Niihnu Island, 150 miles west and north of this island by the Robinson family, the owners of ihaf island. One piece 'was ,a strut, and another a. veneer board 7ft long. The find was shipped to Kauai, and thence to Honolulu by an army amphibian.

Army and navy .authorities this afternoon will examine the -pieces at Pearl Harbor to determine if they are part of Mr Elm’s plane. Experts expected to make an announcement in a few hours as -to whether they are part of the Star of Australia or other aircraft previously lost in this area.

Niihnu is the most northerly and westerly of the Hawaiian group. It belongs exclusively to the Robinson family, who are engaged in ranching there with a few natives. The schooner Lnnakai. chartered by Mrs Ulm, is preparing to sail to-morrow on a 25-day cruise of the islands, reefs, and shoals westward to Midway Island, with a crew of 10, and •will land parties at numerous spots for a careful search.

The Itasca reported that nothing was found on Johnston island, and she is steaming to Palmyra, 060 miles south of Honolulu, returning on Monday.

The army and navy hoard of experts examining pieces of the wreckage late to-day were doubtful whether it was from Mr Uim’s plane. They are not ready to announce a decision until a further examination.

Military aircraft have been lost from time to time, in these waters, and possibly could drift to Niihnu. The discovery was made on the rocky shore of Niihnu by Mr Aylmer Robinson, manager of the ranch there for the wealthy Robinson family. it was shipped during tin* night to the nearest -aeroplane landing field, Port Allen, Kauai, where Lieutenant Russell Scott picked it up to-day, (lying to Honolulu.

The special board on the Australia offer (if £2OO reward for finding a clue is expected to meet soon. The board includes the British Consul, Mr William Turner, (he coastguard commander, Commander .1. S. Bay 1 is, the navy commander, Admiral E. W. Tod. and an ex-army chief here, Colonel D. C. Emmonds.

Ocean ’currents washing Niihnu move in a southerly and westerly diroelion. indicating that Air Elm crashed to the northward if (he pieces prove to be part of his -plane.