N.Z.—Fiji Flight

Cancelled Imperial Airways Alter Itinerary of Airboat "Centaurus."

AT the last moment, when the giant British flying-boat ’ “Centaurus” was in New Zealand, the proposed flight from Auckland to Suva, Fiji, was can celled by Imperial Airways.

Officials announced that the flight had been called off because plans have now been completed for an Empire airboat to make a round-the-world flight in 1938. The “Centaurus” was also re quired to remain in N.Z. longer than had been at first anticipated.

It is likely that the flying-boat “Cam bria” will be made available for the forthcoming world flight. She is one of two airboats which are specially equipped for long range work, and can fly non-stop for more than 3,000 miles.

After flying to Australia on a route yet to be decided, the boat would pro ceed to N.Z., and from there make a survey of the Pacific Ocean to Van couver. Flying across Canada, the boat would make another Atlantic crossing to complete its voyage round the world.

The journey across the Pacific would be a leisurely survey with a view to estab lishing the most practical route for the trans-Pacific service.

Details of the flight, to take place probably in April or May, will be issued in March.