LITTLE HOPE FOR SOUTHERN CLOUD

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 77, 31 March 1931, Page 1

LITTLE HOPE FOR SOUTHERN CLOUD

FEELING OF DESPAIR AT ESSENDON ’DROME. (United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received March 31, 9.5 a.m.) MELBOURNE, March 31. A feeling of despair prevails at the Essendon Aerodrome. Even Kingsford-Smith, whose optimism and energy had revived the flagging hopes and spirits of others, now feels that there is little likelihood of the Southern Cloud being found. Fires reported near Omeo turned out to be bonfires lit by campers. There are persistent rumours of a wing being seen in Port Phillip Bay, but these have not been confirmed. The theory that the ’plane might have gone into the sea last Thursday is supported by the statement of Group Captain Cobby to Air-Commodore Kingsford-Smith that he heard a threeengined ’plane over his home at Malvern, Victoria, at 3.30 p.m. on Saturday. Kingsford-Smith then flew down over the waters of Port Phillip. One of his observers sighted what might have been part of the wing of a ’plane and the pilot turned sharply, but the object could not be seen again. The search is being continued throughout Victoria and also in Port Phillip Bay.