OFF ROUTE

Southland Times, Issue 22474, 9 November 1934, Page 7

OFF ROUTE

MISS F. THOMPSON FLIGHT SOUTH FROM DARWIN REPORTED SAFE (United Press Assn—Telegraph Copyright.) Darwin, November 8. Miss Freda Thompson, the girl flyer, left for Newcastle Waters at ten o’clock yesterday morning, but has not reached there. She is reported as passing Powell’s Creek 60 miles south of Newcastle Waters, flying southward, and it is presumed that she missed Newcastle Waters and is now lost in Central Australia. Two Moth planes were prepared to leave Darwin this morning to search for Miss Thompson if no word is received of her whereabouts. A later message states that grave fears are entertained for the safety of the Melbourne aviatrix owing to the absence of any report since eariy yesterday. The Civil Aviation ‘Department has issued urgent instructions to Pilot Harold Owen at Darwin to begin a search immediately. TELEGRAPH LINE DOWN SEARCH MAY BE DIFFICULT. (United Press Assn—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 10.25 p.m.) Sydney, November 8. The fact that the overland telegraph line to Northern Australia is down in several places owing to recent rough weather will render the search for the missing aviatrix difficult. The only means of communicating with the north is by radio with Newcastle Waters. The New Zealand aviator C. E. Kay, who is now in Sydney, stated to-day: “Miss Thompson is lost where Piper and I were lost five years ago. It is most inhospitable country. She is probably in the vicinity of Tennant’s Creek.” REPORTED FOUND. (United Press Assn—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 11.40 p.m.) Sydney, November 8. A brief message from Darwin states that Miss Thompson has been found at Tennant’s Creek.