LANCASTER UNABLE TO FULFIL ITS SCHEDULE

Wanganui Chronicle, 5 September 1946, Page 5

LANCASTER UNABLE TO FULFIL ITS SCHEDULE

(P.A.) Parliament Bldgs., Sept. 3. ■ Explaining the inability of the Aries to fulfil its original itinerary, the Minister of Defence (Mr. Jones) said to-day that the Aries had been modified considerably to carry a much greater load of petrol. Its characteristics were different from those of the normal Lancastrian. On the aircraft’s arrival in New Zealand the question of landing at Wigram was fully discussed with AirCommodore D’Aeth, and the captain of the aircraft, Squadron-Leader Aldridge, and in view of the recent wet weather- in Christchurch, the comparatively short grass runway at Wigram and the landing characteristics of the Aries, it was decided that a landing at Wigram constituted a risk to the salety of the aircraft which could not be taken. Mr. Jones added that it was then decided that the Aries would fly from Whenuapai, via the East Coast towns and Wellington in the North Island, to Invercargill, via Blenheim and Christchurch, returning to Whenuapai, via Nelson. This long flight was to be carried.out on Monday, weather conditions permitting. The Aries took off as scheduled fi-om Whenuapai, but the weather conditions proved so bad by the time the aircraft reached Whakatane that a deviation from the schedule had to he made. The aircraft flew back to Auckland and set a course for Christchurch, via the West Coast of the North Island. Owing to these deviations, the Aries was some two hours behind schedule by the time it reached Christchurch and in order to cover as many towns as possible before having to return to Whenuapai, the time taken in circling was shortened to a minimum. On arriving over Timaru there was only sufficient fuel remaining to return direct to Whenuapai with a normal margin of safety. The crew of the Aries had done everything in its power to carry out the scheduled flight and were very disappointed at the weather’s interference. The Aries had a long tour yet to complete in Australia and must leave Whenuapai on schedule to-mor-row. As some compensation for the disappointment of tile public arrangements are in hand for the Meteor to make a return visit to Christchurch at an early date.