Pre-war Services for Civil Aviation (continued)

Job (1991, p.33) reports that "when the Melbourne weather observations reached the Sydney Bureau by telegram at 10.30 am it was obvious that conditions were far worse than forecast. Worried, Assistant State Meteorologist Harold (Tommy) Camm telephoned ANA at once. Speaking personally to Ulm he warned of cyclonic winds gusting up to 60 kt and rain and snow. There was nothing that either could do, Southern Cloud was more than two hours on her way".

It should not be assumed that Bureau staff were lacking in concern for the safety and efficiency of the aviation industry. At this time of severe economic depression, lack of finance and manpower made it impossible for the Bureau to develop the level of staffing, the network and frequency of meteorological observations, and the network of telecommunications required for an adequate meteorological service for aviation.

Observations did not include the specific type of information required for aviation and were not made with the frequency required. Telecommunications systems did not enable the collection of messages as rapidly as needed. Forecasts were not prepared as frequently as required and were not specifically tailored for aviation needs.

The loss of Southern Cloud put ANA out of business before the end of 1931. Other services had been suspended to search for the missing aircraft, an inquiry was held without solving the mystery of the disappearance of the Southern Cloud, and public confidence in air travel declined sharply. In spite of this tragedy Kingsford Smith and Ulm and other airmen maintained their vision and enthusiasm for the development of the air transport industry Smithy, Ulm, Hudson Fysh and WAA had pioneered.

Bureau of Meteorology