ULM TAKES OFF.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20233, 17 February 1934, Page 11

ULM TAKES OFF.

FLIGHT TO SYDNEY WITH MAIL. Conditions Favourable. FORTY THOUSAND LETTERS CARRIED. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, February 17. The Faith in Australia left Muriwai Beach at 5.59 o’clock this morning cn the trans-Tasman flight. She carried Mr C. T. P. Ulm, Mr G. U. Allan and Mr R. N. Boulton, and about 40.000 letters, comprising the first trans-Tas-man air mail. Conditions were perfect for the takeoff. The plane lifted easily after a run of about 700 yards, climbed into a very light north-east breeze, and soon disappeared. Favourable weather reports were received last night, and Mr Ulm expects the flight to last anywhere between 135 and 20 hours, but probably about 15 hours. The plane will fly at a normal cruising speed of 100 miles an hour and has a range of 22 hours. According to the Government Meteorologist, fine weather and light winds will be experienced off the New Zealand ccast. with cloudy conditions off the New South Wales coast. Mr Allan is co-pilot, navigator and radio operator, and Mr Boulton is engineer. NO MESSAGES. Transmitter May be Out of Order. TROUBLE DURING TESTS. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, February 17. The following statement was issued by the Radio Broadcasting Board shortly after noon to-day:—“So far, none of the New Zealand radio stations has received anything from the Faith in Australia since its departure early this morning. The lack of news is probably due to a fault in the aeroplane’s transmitter, with which trouble was experienced when making the final tests last evening.” Work of Engineers. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, February 17. Radio engineers worked hard last night remedying the defect in the transmitter on the Faith in Australia. The defect wa.s discovered during tests yesterday. After working several hours last night the engineers sent to Auckland for equipment, which was delivered by launch to Hobsdnville and from Hobsonville to Muriwai by a plane flown by Squadron-Leader L. M. Isitt. After some further work the transmitter was tested and was pronounced to be working well. PLANE’S RADIO HEARD. Report from Steamer Ruahine. (Received Februarv 17, 3.15 p.m.) SYDNEY, February 17. During the first three hours of Mr Ulm’s flight no messages were received at La Perouse, although the steamer Ruahine reported having heard the plane’s radio.

MOTOR-CYCLING.

Reliability Trial is Commenced. The first stage of the major reliability trial for motor-cycles conducted by the Pioneer Sports Club was commenced at two o'clock this afternoon. The route embraced most of the difficult hills on the Peninsula. The riders are due to arrive at the end of the first day’s journey—Addington Show Grounds—at 7.15 p.m., when the machines will be placed in control overnight at the garage of Messrs Haworth anil Thomas. The trial will be continued at 8.30 o’clock to-morrow morning, the start to be made from tlie garage. The route will be along '.lie old West Coast road through Courtenay. Sheffield, Springfield, Craigieburn to the Bealey. where there will be a halt for luncheon. The homeward route wil be over the same roads as on the outward journey, finishing at the garage of Messrs Haworth and Thomas. Tuam Street. This point should be reached at 5.25 p.m. In addition to the Wooff Salvesen Reliability Trial Challenge Cup, which goes to the outright winner of the trial, the Harley Challenge Cup will be awarded for the best individual performance of a private owner. A special prize is also offered for the best performance by novice trial riders. There is also a teams' prize for the team scoring the highest aggregate marks, teams to consist of three competitors. A first-class certificate will be awarded to each competitor making a nonstop run, or scoring within five points of the maximum. The following were the starters who were despatched in pairs, In. the following order:—V. C. Browne 3} Sunbeam, E. H. Buckley 2J H.D.. G. A* Urry 3 4 8.5. A.. F. L. Webb 2J Ariel. W. G. Bradshaw 6 H.D.. N. W. Anderson 3 Matchless. S. Loader 34 A.J.R., L. E. J. Cooke 2$ Ariel, A. Laurenson 3 4 Coventry Eagle. J. R. Bourne 21 Calthorpe, C. R. Reynolds 34 Ariel, R. C. Teatts 3i A.J.S., W. Rosengrave 3 4 A.J.S.