NO SHORT-WAVE FACILITIES

Southland Times, Issue 23650, 27 October 1938, Page 5

NO SHORT-WAVE FACILITIES

Disturbing Aspect Of Air Disaster FEDERAL AUTHORITIES CRITICIZED DEATH-ROLL OF. 115 SINCE 1934

(United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright)

(Received October 26, 8.55 pjn.) SYDNEY, October 26. One of the most disturbing aspects of the disaster to the air liner Kyeema, which crashed into Mount Dandenong yesterday, all of the 18 occupants being killed, is the fact that the Lorenz shortwave radio navigation beacon which had been installed at Essendon aerodrome for more than a year was not, and never has been, in operation, because the Civil Aviation Department has not completed the necessary final tests and adjustments. The newspapers are publishing severe criticism, of the Federal authorities responsible for the non-functioning of the beacon, which if working would, it is claimed, assuredly have saved the Kyeema and 18 lives from disaster. Mr G. A. Robinson, managing director of Air Lines of Australia, today revealed that pilots had actually brought air liners home to Mascot from Adelaide and Brisbane on the Lorenz beacon and voted it 100 per cent, efficient; but after that experiment it had been switched off, apparently to aid the Civil Aviation Department’s own official tests, in its own time.

Mr K. M. Fremin, president of the Institute of Air Pilots, said: “We know what caused the accident. What we want is an inquiry into the policy and administration which made an accident of this kind not only possible but likely to occur again at any time.” Identification of the 18 bodies began today at the Melbourne morgue. Considerable difficulty was experienced in identifying at least five. Mr C. A. Hawker’s relations have declined a State funeral. The remnants of the air liner were completely burned today by police to remove all trace from crowds. The Kyeema was insured for £25,000. It is estimated that the Kyeema was travelling at 200 miles an hour when it crashed into Mount Dandenong. The aeroplane had flown 30 miles past Essendon aerodrome and was off its course.

Two of the passengers, Mr H. Gloe and his wife, were flying to Tasmania on. their honeymoon. Since the beginning of 1934, 115 lives have been lost in civil aviation in Australia. Fifty of these victims were killed in disasters to air liners and others were killed in accidents to private aeroplanes. •, The Minister of Civil Aviation (Mr H. V. C. Thorby) announced that a public inquiry would be held by the Air Accidents Investigation Committee.. This is the first time that the Government has agreed to have an investigation into the cause of an accident made public. Mr Thorby has also called for an immediate report about the short-wave radio navigation beacon. “If I have to bear any responsibility I will not shirk it,” added Mr Thorby. SYMPATHY” OF NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER SENDS MESSAGE ‘ (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, October 26. The sympathy of New Zealand with the relations of those who lost their lives in the aviation accident near Melbourne on Tuesday was expressed today by- the Prime Minister (the Rt, Hon. M. J. Savage). The following cable message was sent by Mr Savage to the Prime Minister of Australia (Mr J. A. Lyons): On behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand I desire to express deep sorrow at the severe loss of life resulting from the air line disaster. We extend our. sincere

sympathy to you personally in the death of your former colleague, Mr C. A. Hawker, and also to the relations of all the passengers and crew.