TASMAN FLYERS

Southland Times, Issue 20613, 11 October 1928, Page 8

TASMAN FLYERS

THE BETUB-N TBIP PREPARATIONS FOR DEPARTURE MAY LEAVE AT DAWN TO-MORROW (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, October 10. With the barometer pressure higher over eastern Australia than it has been for some time past, prospects of improved conditions over the Tasman are distinctly brighter, said Dr Kidson this morning. Insufficient data is at present in hand to say definitely that conditions will be good enough for a start with the return flight. The airmen, he thought, in view of the improved weather, would be standing by ready to hop off if conditions warranted. Squadron-Leader Kingsford Smith and Flight-Lieutenant Ulm, on the point of departure in Bristols for Christchurch, received telegraphic advice from Dr Kidson that it was desirable to stand by as the weather conditions might be favourable to fly back to Australia to-morrow or Friday. DECISION EXPECTED TO-DAY. Wellington, October 10. Dr. E. Kidson. Director of the Government Meteorological Services, stated tonight that there was a possibility of a start being made to-morrow or on Friday. The flyers would probably make a decision tomorrow. THE SOUTHERN CROSS. FINAL TEST FLIGHT. Blenheim, October 10. At 2 o’clock this afternoon the Southern Cross was taken up on her final test flight before leaving for Sydney. The flight was made for the purpose of testing certain instruments, and Squadron-Leader Kingsford Smith stated on return that everything was working well, and the plane was in good condition for the flight. While the Southern Cross was away on her half-hour trip, Flight-Lieutenant Ulm took the opportunity to carry out a further service course of flights in the Bristol fighter. On its return to the aerodrome at 2.30 p.m. the Southern Cross made a perfect landing. She has been left outside the hangar in readiness for refilling should the evening’s weather report be favourable for the take-off for Sydney at dawn to-morrow. Evening Weather Report. The weather report received to-night from Dr Kidson is not considered to justify a hop-off in the morning, but contains hopes of further improvement. If the morning report is a good one, the Southern Cross will be filled up preparatory to a start on Friday morning at dawn. AERO CLUB FOR NAPIER. Napier, October 10. Following the example of other centres and spurred to action by rhe visit to the Dominion of the Southern Cross a largely attended public meeting in Napier to-night resolved to form an aero club. A committee was appointed to obtain information regarding the acquisition of land suitable for an aerodrome.