AIRMEN MAY CROSS TASMAN ON TUESDAY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 237, 6 October 1928, Page 9

AIRMEN MAY CROSS TASMAN ON TUESDAY

WEATHER PERMITTING INVITATION FROM AMERICA BLENHEIM, Oct. 5. “The prospects for the aviators starting the return flight across the Tasman are now rather remote,” said Dr. Kidson to-day, “and it is more likely to be about Tuesday before the weather settles down, if then. “The pressure is now very low over the Tasman, the barometer at Hobart this morning falling at 4 a.m. to as low as 28.85 inches. Strong northerly to north-westerly winds reaching gale force in places, still prevail between New Zealand and Australia.” Kingsford Smith and Air Litchfield have been resting to-day at a seaside cottage in Queen Charlotte Sound. A strong westerly gale this morning caused some little anxiety for the safety of thc Southern Cross housed in the temporary hangar at Woodbourne field. As a measure of precaution the tarpaulins forming the roof were removed. Tho Southern Cross and the framework of the hangar withstood the force of the wind without any damage. While a Bristol machine housed in the hangar was being taxied to the Ice of a straw stack a strong gust up-ended the machine, but it was quickly righted undamaged. The weather locally is now calm and fairly heavy rain is falling. Squadron-Leader Kingsford Smith has received from Air Julian B. Foster, American Trade Commissioner for New Zealand, a telegram conveying a cordial invitation from thc United States Government to attend an international civil acronatuics conference at Washington from December .11 to 19, inclusive. It will be preceded by a week's aeroplane show at Chicago. Famous aviators from ninny parts of the world will attend the conference. Kingsford Smith has replied accepting the invitation, as in all probability he and Ulm will be in America at the time the conference is held.

A later message says that the weather report is of such a nature that it is most unlikely that thc Southern Cross will get away for Sydney on Sunday.