THE LONG FLIGHT.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 October 1921, Page 7

THE LONG FLIGHT.

CALL AT HAWERA. There was a fairly large gathering of the public at the Hawera racecourse on Tuesday afternoon, when the aeroplane, on its journey from Invercargill to Auckland, arrived (says the Star). Great interest was tal?en in the event, and when the Avro made its appearance enthusiasm ran high. After falling gracefully to a low altitude the aeroplane turned at the northern end of the course and made a perfect landing against the wind, amidst cheers from the people. On arrival the occupants of the aeroplane were treated to refreshments, which they were delighted to receive. , In conversation with a representative of the Press. Mr. Fleming said they were all delighted with the trip. The machine had behaved splendidly. It was a treat to get over Taranaki with its long stretches of beautiful flat country. They had made good time all the Mr. Mercer, in answer to a question, gave the following times of arrive! and departure:—Left Invercargill on Monday at 5 a.m., arrived at Timaru 7 a.m. (Owing to reports of the bad weather in the north the flight wa<s postponed until next morning). Left Timaru at_B a.m. yesterday, arrived Kaikoura at 9.55 a.m., left Kaikoura 11.5 a.m., arrived Trentham at 12.25 p.m., left Trentham at 2 p.m., arrived Hawera 3.25 p.m. Total travelling time from Invercargill to Hawera, Ghrs. 40min. Mr. Mercer said that the average travelling speed would be found to be between 1)0 and 120 ijiiles per hour. The stretch from Wellington to Wanganui took onlv 50 minutes. He expected that they would be in Auckland in about ? hours after leaving Hawera. They had the advantage of the wind, which was blowing, he thought, at 30 miles an hour. The machine, having been tuned up, left on the last, stage of its journey at about 4.5 o’clock, and the Avro. rising as gracefully as it had descended, wr.s soon /speeding north. The traveller* were delighted with their reception at Hawera. ! The machine arrived in Auckland at • 6.R p.m.. the total flying time from Invercargill to Auckland being 3 hours ■ .• minute*.