Weak Defence Link

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 676, 30 May 1929, Page 9

Weak Defence Link

LESSON OF MOIR-OWEN FLIGHT (United P.A. —By Telegraph- — Copyright) .Reed. 9.5 a.m. SYDNEY, Today. The “Sydney Morning Herald,” commenting on the plight of Flight- 1 Lit utenant Moil - and Flying-Officer ] Owen in being marooned for a week at a lighthouse on the Australian coast without the outside world knowing, says it emphasises a weak link in Australia’s defence measures. “It reveals how easily the advance guard of au enatny force could have landed and remained there until it had consolidated its position.” The “Herald” alludes to the action of the New Zealand Government in directing that wireless be installed in a number of lighthouses on the New Zealand coast, and adds: “The Australian Government will be compelled by the force of public opinion to follow New Zealand's example.” Sir Keith Smith has received a telegram from Flight-Lieutenant Moir, saying that the only portion of the Vellore airplane not damaged is part of the top wing. The engine and instruments have been salvaged and left with the Cape Don lighthouse keepers. The engine, which weighs a ton, will have to be taken to pieces in order to be shipped from Cape Don. Mr. Moir added that a doctor who had examined Flying-Officer Owen declared that he would be unfit for work for some time. A message from Darwin says the airplane Atlanta, with the rescued airmen on board, left yesterday morning for Brisbane, where it is expected to arrive on Friday. It will reach Sydney on Saturday afternoon. At the civic reception at Darwin, Mr. Moir, in responding, said he desired to remove the misapprehension that they had lost their way. They were on an absolutely correct course until the engine began to tail, when they decided to land on the nearest point, which was Cape Don. There was a great commotion at the lighthouse when they were about to land, and afterwards. Even a cockatoo entered into the spirit of the occasion, shouting, “What’s all the fuss about?” Mr. Owen said he was depressed at having failed to actually bring the plane into Darwin. “However, we hit. Australia, and hit it hard. We are both deeply grateful to Captain Brain and Captain Grosvenor and for the kindly treatment, by the Kyogle’s skipper and crew, and the families at the lighthouse.