Machine Takes Off Perfectly At 2.44.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18578, 28 September 1928, Page 10

Machine Takes Off Perfectly At 2.44.

CIRCLED AERODROME, AND THEN HEADED NORTH, AIDED BY STRONG WIND.

THE Southern Cross left the Sockburn Aerodrome for Blenheim at 2.44 p.m., taking off perfectly.

“Incur No Undue Risk.”

MR COATES URGES AVIATORS NOT TO DEFY WEATHER.

A telegram from Squadron-Leader Kingsford Smith and Flight-Lieutenant Ulm to the Prime Minister says:—

“ We regret the impossibility of continuing our tour further south. We fully informed the Minister of Internal Affairs by wire to this effect yesterday. Again many thanks to yourself and the Government for the great assistance and the enthusiastic welcome received throughout the Dominion.” Mr Coates has sent the following reply:—

“ My colleagues and I wish you to understand very definitely how anxi-

ous we are that you and your associates should incur no undue risk in your proposed return flight across the Tasman. We wish you to know that in our view no consideration should outweigh that of safety in your future plans, and we should be most happy to regard yoou as our guests for just so long as you may feel it desirable to remain in New Zealand.

“ Should you consider the shipment of your machine "by sea, we shall be most happy to extend to you every possible facility for that purpose..

... “ Should you, on the other hand, maintain your intention of returning by air, we wish to urge upon you that you should consider nothing except the choice of the most appropriate time, and should regard yourselves as the honoured guests of the country for any length of time that you remain here.”

TAUMARUNUI FORMS AVIATION COMPANY.

LATEST MOTH MACHINE HAS BEEN ORDERED. Per Press Association. TAUMARUNUI, September 28. For some months a number of Taumarunui citizens have been working to form a company to promote aviation here. The necessary capital has been fully subscribed locally, and the use of the racecourse has been granted free of charge for two and a half years as an aerodrome. The latest type of Moth aeroplane has been ordered through Mr Douglas Mill, the de Haviland agent, for delivery, subject to Major Wilkes, Director of Aviation, passing the racecourse ground as suitable. Provision has been made for the erection of one or more hangars on this ground, which it is considered could be improved to accommodate larger machines should the necessity arise.

The Taumarunui project was finalised before the Southern Cross flyers left Sydney, and for some weeks the company has been waiting the passing of the ground, which has been delayed owing to the Southern Cross flight, and the arrival of Sir John Salmond. The company has in view an early survey of possible other landing grounds in the King Country, particularly in the National Park and Lake Taupo area. A qualified pilot who had considerable war experience is available locally, also two qualified mechanics.

DOCTOR FIGHTS FOR LIFE OF POLITICAL FOE.

FEDERAL TREASURER AND MR P. MOLONEY. (Special to the “Star.”) MELBOURNE, September 15. In the House of Representatives at Canberra, two members glare defiance at each other across the table. One, a Labour member, has inferred that the Government is trying to steal his seat by proposing to withdraw voters from the electorate. The other, a Minister, throws scorn on the suggestion. Feeling is running high. Hot words are being spoken. In the operating theatre of the Canberra Hospital, a doctor is fighting for the life of a man. A few tense minutes, then the doctor smiles—the fight has been won.

The figures in these two little dramas are the same. The member and the man for whose life a stern battle is being waged—Mr Parker Moloney, Labour member for Hume. The Minister and the doctor who is waging the fight—Dr Earle Page, Treasurer of the Commonwealth, and a surgeon.

Mr Parker Moloney was taken suddenly ill on Monday. In the afternoon he was taken to the Canberra Hospital, and arrangements were made for Dr Nott, M.H.R. for Herbert., to perform an operation for appendicitis. Then Dr Notts father-in-law died in the Canberra Hospital.

Mr Moloney was in a serious condition. An immediate operation was necessary. Dr Page was called in, and the operation was performed successfully. Mr Moloney is reported to be progressing. In Parliament, Dr Page and Mr Parker Moloney are enemies. They have crossed swords on many occasions. Yet, when the call came to Dr Page, the surgeon, Dr Page, the poli tician, was submerged. Dr Page is the most hard-working man in the Federal Cabinet. He works and travels strenuously. But he does not forget he is a doctor. On his marathon journeys around Australia he is as intent on healing the physical ills of tlfe people he meets as he is on proposing financial remedies. Tends Several Members.

In Parliament, he has been the medical adviser of a large number of members, among who are Mr Latham, the Attorney-General; Mr Patterson, the Minister for Markets; Mr Scullin, the Leader of the Opposition; Mr Charlton, Mr Watkins—and now Mr Parker Moloney.

This morning, Dr Page’s first action was to visit the hospital and attend to his patient. He then turned his thoughts to politics. At 1 p.m., his thoughts turned in other directions—at that hour he and Mrs Page entertained members of the Country Party at luncheon to celebrate the anniversary of their wedding day.