AIR MAIL DISASTER

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20667, 4 March 1937, Page 11

AIR MAIL DISASTER

IMPRESSIONS OF SURVIVOR United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright BRISBANE, March 3. One of the survivors in the loss of the Stinson airliner (Mr G. P. Binstead), telling of the crash, said the ’plane struck a patch of bad weather over the Macpherson Ranges, and the pilot was trying to bank and climb, but because of the down currents of the gale coming over the top of the gorge he could not lift her high enough. A few minutes before the crash, Binstead saw that the trees were near, but his fears were allayed by the unconcerned manner of the pilots. A few minutes later came the crash. Everything was turmoil. The Stinson broke over the top of one tree, struck a second, and somehow crashed to the ground. A fire started two seconds after the crash. It has been decided to bury the remains of the Stinson victims in one grave on the spot where the ’plane crashed. BURIAL OF BODIES OF VICTIMS REWARD FOR DISCOVERER OF WRECKAGE United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Oopyrlgnt (Received March 3, 10.15 p.m.) BRISBANE, March 3. A tragic little party of mourners left Beaudesert early to-day to attend the burial of the four victims at the mountain spot where the airliner crashed. They hope to reach the scene this afternoon. The body of J. G. Westray, the fifth victim, will be brought down and taken to Brisbane and cremated in accordance with the wishes of London relatives, who have arranged a long-distance radio talk for to-morrow with Binstead regarding the manner in which Westray lost his life.

A surgical operation was performed on Proud last night and his broken limb was reset. Both survivors are doing well. Airlines of Australia, owners of the wrecked Stinson airliner, announce their intention of giving Bernard O’Reilly the reward of £2OO which was offered. The Commonwealth Government contemplates a substantial gift in recognition of his initiative and splendid services. FULL INQUIRY PROMISED. DECISION OF DEFENCE MINISTER United Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyrlgh t SYDNEY, March 3. Sir Archdale Parkhill said there will be the fullest public inquiry into the Stinson disaster.