TOUR OF TASMAN FLIERS

Taranaki Daily News, 25 September 1928, Page 11

TOUR OF TASMAN FLIERS

STORMY TRIP TO BLENHEIM THE ITINERARY MAY BE ALTERED. RISK OF DELAYING THE RETURN. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wanganui, Sept. 24. jOn Saturday, Squadron-Leader Kingsford Smith and party motored 250 miles in the Auckland district, arriving in Auckland at 6 p.m. They attended two functions, and were not in bed before 4 a.m. on Sunday. They left Auckland for Wanganui at 12.50 and, after stopping at Hawera, reached Wanganui at 4 o’clock. It was their desire to have a quiet time in Wanganui and, with this in view, they attended no public functions, although they were half expected to put in an appearance at the band concert. Instead they spent the evening privately, but it was 4 a.m. again before they were in bed. After a sound and refreshing sleep they breakfasted, and were at the landing grounds at Westmere at 10.30. They were very doubtful about taking off, but the wind slackened a little, and Smith said to Ulm: “Come on, we will give it a go.” They left at 11.5. The weather was very boisterous, a strong westerly gale blowing. About 3000 people motored out to witness the take-off, which was accomplished most successfully, in spite of an unsteady wind, which blew with great force at times. The fliers circled over the city and then proceeded south. Blenheim, Sept. 24.

The Bristol ’planes arrived at Blenheim at 1.18 p.m. The fliers report a terrible trip from Wanganui. They were buffeted all the way with head winds and rainstorms. After landing here they decided to stay the night, leaving early to-morrow for Christchurch.

THE FLIGHT TO DUNEDIN. ARRANGEMENT OF ITINERARY. Blenheim, Last Night. Tho flying party leave Blenheim at 8.30 a.m. to-morrow and land at Sockburn for fuel, reaching Oainaru at 11.45. There proceedings will be strictly limited to one hour, as the fliers have a very big day ahead of them, the total flying distance being 375 miles. At Dunedin they will bo accorded a civic reception at the Wingatui racecourse, foHqwed in the evening by a party given by the R.S.A. Aero Club and the Otago Expansion League. On Wednesday the fliers return to Christchurch, stopping en route at Timaru. They will land at Washdyke and proceed by car to Caroline Bay to attend a reception. PROGRAMME MAY BE CUT DOWN. INDICATION OF BAD WEATHER. Blenheim, Last Night. In view of the very bad weather forecast issued to-night by the Government meteorologist, Kingsford Smith and his party are afraid that unless the indications in the morning are more favourable they will be running a grave risk of being so delayed by storms in the south as to upset their entire schedule for the Blenheim to Sydney flight. Accordingly, it may be necessary tomorrow to cancel all southern engagements. However, the fliers will be guided by the indications in the morning, and they will continue their tour if it is at all possible without running the risk of upsetting their arrangements for the return io Sydney.