"MAY NOT BE TOO LATE”

Taranaki Daily News, 16 January 1933, Page 7

"MAY NOT BE TOO LATE”

SEARCH FOR MR. HINKLER CONCERTED MEASURES URGED APPEAL FROM NEWSPAPER ‘BLOT ON THE ESCUTCHEON’ By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright. Rec. 7.30 p.m.' , London, Jan. 14. The Morning Post in an editorial asks why no concerted, systematic measures have been taken to trace and, if possible, relieve Mr. Bert Hinkler, the airman, recalling that Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and Flight-Lieutenant C. T. P. Ulm were rescued in the Australian bush after 12 days and Commander Franco was picked up after drifting in the Atlantic for ten days. “It may not be too late to succour Mr. Hinkler,” says the Post. “If he has jnet disaster it will be a tragic loss to British flying prowess. If no prompt, effective effort is made to find him it will be a blot on the national escutcheon.” Captain Hope, who announced he was willing to search the Alps personally and bear half the cost himself if others would raise the balance left in a Hawk Moth with a mechanic and wireless apparatus, but fog forced him to return. He is to leave at dawn for Basle, which will be his headquarters for a wide search of the Matterhorn Valley. He will comb the' Alps daily. The Air Ministry has broadcast a request to France, Italy and Switzerland that regular fliers keep a sharp look-out for Mr. Bert Hinkler, and has similarly telegraphed Turkey and Bulgaria. Lady Bailey, whose Puss Moth, with extra tanks is ready for an attempt on the Cape Town record, is willing to search for Mr. Hinkler, but, like everyone else, wonders where to start. Arthur Whitelaw and several other Australian firms have promised to contribute to the expenses of the search for Mr. Hinkler. In addition to the Air Ministry s appeal, the British Broadcasting Corporation appealed direct to 13 European countries requesting that they wireless a broadcast urging the citizens to aid in the search for the airman.