THE SOUTHERN CROSS

Waipa Post, Volume 37, Issue 2217, 2 October 1928, Page 5

THE SOUTHERN CROSS

DEPARTURE FOR SYDNEY. POSTPONED. UNFAVOURABLE WEATHER, WELLINGTON, Monday. The dpearture of the SoVtihern Cross from Blenheim on her return flight to Richmond aerodrome, Sydney. which was planned to take place durino' the Week-end has been postponed • indefinitely. Although the morning report was not too favourable, indicating the approach of a westerly disturbance across, the Tasman Sea, the airmen spent a busy day on Saturday, in the presence of a large crowd, in fuelling and otherwise preparing the Southern Cross for*iihe flight, which Kingsford Smith announced would start at 4.45 a.m. on Sunday. In consequence, however, of the very adverse conditions predicted in the afternoon forecast, he and Ulm decided on Saturday night to postpone tlhe departure until better weather was assured for the crossing. BLENHEIM, Monday. Westerly winds are ruling in the Tasman Sea and according to the latest weather reports fit will be Thursday morning at tlhe earliest before the airmen will be able to takeoff for Sydney. To-day was very quiet at the aerodrome, although there wei'e always a few hundred sightseers in evidence. At 3.30 pan. the DHSO machine from Sockburn arrived, with Captain Findlay in the cock-pit, and Messrs, P. R. Climie, organiser of the Canterbury Progress League, and D. Crozier, of the Canterbury Aero Club, in the cabin. A thrill was provided this, morning when Flight-Lieutenant Ulm and Captain Buckley went up in a Bristol fighter. After flying low over* the town they returned to the aerodrome, where they carried out a number of aerial acrobatics. WELLINGTON, This Day. Dr Kidson advised the airmen yesterday afternoon that a ratiher intense depression was located over the Western Tasman Sea. The pressure at Hobart had fallen as low as 29.15 in. at 3p.m. on Sunday, so there was no prospect of the flight! starting on Tuesday morning.