FORCED LANDINGS.

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17713, 17 May 1929, Page 7

FORCED LANDINGS.

FEDERAL INQUIRY. SOUTHERN CROSS’ DEPARTURE. KINGSFORD SMITH’S EVDENCE. (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Australian Press Association.)

SYDNEY, May 11. The Air Inquiry was resumed this morning.

Squadron-Leader Kingsford Smith, the first witness called by Mr Hammond, assisting commissioner, said that on March 27 a telegram was sent by Captain Chateau at Wyndham, asking the Jlycrs to delay their start till they received an "O-K.” telegram sent from Sydney to Captain Chateau advising the Southern Cross taking off on March 31. Mr Hammond then read the telegram from Wyndham, reading: “The weather is fine, with drying winds.” This was sent on March 30, hut Squad-ron-Leader Smith said he thought he received it on the 29th. Another telegram was read, “Cannot believe the Southern Cross will leave without a definite ‘O.K.’ from me. Conditions unsafe. Must he recalled.” Under Cross-Examination. Cross-examined by Mr Hammond, witness described the equipment on flic Southern Cross when she left for Wyndham. Jle said it included three pairs of pliers, three screwdrivers, three spanners, a new pair of propcllors, but no hammer. There was no occasion for a hammer in the air. Some tools were taken from the monoplane before they left Richmond. The emergency wireless set was removed before the flight because there was no need for it. its life was only four hours, and ils weight-.was a matter of importance.

They left out everything not actually required.

Mr Hammond: Why did not you take the same precautions on that trip as you did on the Pacific flight?

Witness: We took all the necessary precautions. Even if one engine failed we could have flown 1000 miles on the other two. The sandwiches and coffee we had when we left Richmond were sufficient for a flight 50 per cent, longer than the one to Wyndham, but when we landed wc had only seven sandwiches and a flask and a-lialf of coffee.

Counsel: When did you lose your radio aerial? Witness: Half an hour after our depar I ure. Why did you not attempt to affix another? —We considered the risk of landing far too great. The emergency rations which were on hoard the machine when we left America- were removed without the knowledge of myself or Flight-Lieutenant Uhn. Then you had no emergency rations at all?—By accident we had none, hut we thought we had. Had you fixed on any emergency ground in Australia? —Yes. Oodnadatta. The Airmen’s Charts. You could have fixed your aerial there?—Yes, hut the ground is rattier small for a take-off.

Fui’Uier telegrams which passed between Wyndlmm 'and Sydney before the flight were then produced. Some referred to alternative landing grounds at Wyndham. One message advised the airmen to carry emergency supplies of food and water.

Kingsford Smith was then questioned about the charts they carried, lie said the mission stations at Drysdalc and Port George IV were not shown on the rnaps h although they had been recommended as the most comprehensive that could be procured. Witness went on to relate the text of dramatic messages which passed between Ulm and himself when both realised they were in difficulties. One message from Ulm said: “Let us find some sort cf landing ground with the idea of saving the bus intact. We can then secure help by means of our wireless.” Smith read the draft of a message lie had written for the wireless operator McWilliam to send out. In this he explained their latitude and added- " Starving. Only 10 minutes’ supply of petrol. Send aeroplanes. Now landing near Glenelg River, 25 miles from coast.”

Continuing Smith said he accepted the full responsibility for starting when they did. He still believed they did the right tiling. He next told the story of the perilous landing on the fiinge of the mud-flat, and the crew's experiences until they were found. He emphasised the fact that everything humanly possible was done to attract either air or ground rescue parties. Contract with the Press. All the men were hysterical and emotional, said, witness, when the airmen in the Canberra found them. Mr Hammond then produced a contract between the airmen and the Sun newspaper and Melbourne Herald. This provided that £SOO should be paid to them for the exclusive story of the flight if they beat Bert Hinkler’s record, but only £250 if they did not do so.

Smith said ho did not know what became of the telegram received immediately before they left Richmond Possibly "il was in his flying kit which lie had left at Wyndham. Mr Hammond: Why did the Southern Cross lake the uneharled and more risky route to Wyndham instead of going to Darwin? Witness: Because with a heavilyloaded monoplane it would have been totally impossible to take off again at Darwin. Smith spoke highly of the instruments on Hie Southern-Cross and of his colleagues.

The inquiry was adjourned until tomorrow morning. ' ; .J