CLOUSTON’S FLIGHT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 68, 22 March 1938, Page 8

CLOUSTON’S FLIGHT

THE RETURN JOURNEY FAREWELL AT BLENHEIM LOAD OF 204 GALLONS OF PETROL ( Per Press Association. J BLENHEIM, March 21. After their first night’s sleep of any consequence since leaving Gravesend, the flyers breakfasted at their hotel about 7.30 this morning and then proceeded to the aerodrome, where they checked over the ’plane, paying particular attention to the wings, which were slightly damaged by a hailstorm on the way over the Tasman, *but which were repaired by the gro’und staff of Cook Strait Airways and Marlborough Aero Club. About 8.30 the ’plane was taken from the hangar and the airmen spent a long time seeing that everything was properly stowed in the diminutive cockpit. At 9.20 the engines were started and after about ten minutes warming up, the men boarded the ’plane and waved cheerily to the crowd and taxied over to the southeastern side of the ’drome.

Heading into a light north-west breeze, the ’plane? gathered speed quickly and rose without difficulty. Clouston circled the ’drome twice, the second time swooping low down at a terrific speed along the ranks of the cheering spectators.

The ’plane disappeared within a few minutes towards threatening clouds shrouding the hills between Blenheim and Nelson. It was his intention to fly over Nebon and his home town of Motueka before finally setting out across the Tasman.

Last night the 'plane was refilled with petrol and when it left this morning it was carrying a load of 204 gallons, of which 125 were put in at Blenheim.

From an early hour this morning people began to gatner at the aerodrome, Clouston having announced last night that he would take oft probably three hours after dawn. By the time the flyers had arrived at the field there was a crowd of upwards of 500 present to witness the departure and demonstrate the keen and friendly interest felt in the recordbreaking performance. Clouston’s mother and father, and members of the family gave him an affectionate send-off. The aviator spent some time in the office alongside the hangar with his family and friends and relatives resident in Marlborough. before finally taking ovet the controls.

His Last act before turning the ’plane round to taxi over the aerodrome was to speak into the microphone to extend thanks for the reception accorded him and his companion.

A striking feature about the takeaff was the ’plane’s speed and the facility with which she was handled despite the heavy load of fuel, which was only thirty or forty gallons under the maximum.

Climbing quickly the Comet manoeuvred as easily as a light ’plane and was soon lost to sight.