ONE MINUTE TO SPARE

Taranaki Daily News, 30 January 1930, Page 13

ONE MINUTE TO SPARE

MR. CHICHESTER BUSHED ANXIOUS SOUTHWARD FLIGHT. AIRMAN NEARING HIS GOAL. By Tedefi.raph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Sydney, Jan. 29. Mr. T. C. Chichester left Longreach early this morning and expects to arrive at Charleville for lunch. From Bourke tomorrow morning he sets out for Narowrnine. where he will make a halt before the final hop to Sydney. Chichester’s experience at Brunette Downs might have landed him in desperate straits. Getting bushed on Sunday after leaving Brunette Downs, he landed late in the afternoon at a bore and camped for the night alone. In the morning he found he had only three gallons of petrol, sufficient for half-an-hour’s Hying. He decided' to fly for 15 minutes and, if he located no habitation, to return to the bore and await help. He fully expected a long wait, but had plenty of food. Afterflying for 14 minutes, however, he saw buildings which proved to be the Rockland station, near Camooweal. The airman stayed at Camooweal on Monday and flew to Longreach on Tuesday. Although experienced Quantas pilots said they did not think Chichester would succeed in penetrating the thick belt of rain over Central Queensland, the New Zealand airman made a splendid landing on the rain-soaked Longreach aerodrome. In accordance with instructions from the New Zealand Government Mr. W. R. Blow, Government agent here, has arranged for a cordial welcome to Mr. Chichester, who is due at Sydney tomorrow. Mr. Blow has invited the Mayor of Mascot to preside at the welcome ceremony, at which a number of representative New Zealanders, including Dr. Purdy and Mr. Havyatt, will be present. A convivial gathering will be held in the evening, the arrangements for which are in the hands of Mr. Havyatt and other members of the New Zealand Association.