GREAT AIR RACE.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 225, 23 September 1929, Page 9

GREAT AIR RACE.

ACROSS AUSTRALIA.

STARTING NEXT SATURDAY. 37 >PLANES TO COMPETE. BIG DISPLAY AT PERTH. (From Our Own Correspondent.) SYDNEY, September 10. September 28 is the date fixed for the hop-off on the longest air race ever held in the Commonwealth, of Australia, that from Sydney to Perth, a distance of 2500 miles. Every type of machine, 'from the small Moth of the Aero Club to the giant Do Havillands of the Royal Australian Air Force, will take part in the race, which is scheduled to last six days. The contest has been arranged in connection with the West Australian centenary celebrations, and at the conclusion of the race an air pageant will be held at Perth. There are 28 private planes entered, and nine from the K.A.A.F., and these will co-operate at Perth in the greatest aerial display that has ever been given in Australia. The race will mark a. definite advance in aviation in Australia, and all the pilots are looking forward to it eagerly. Mascot aerodrome is a hive of industry, and at times as many as 20 aeroplanes are hovering in the air above the aerodrome on test flights. Attractive prizes have been offered by the West Australian Government, and the winner of the handicap will receive' £1000, second £300 and third £100. In addition there is a speed prize of £3000, and sectional prizes for the various days' flights will also be worth winning. Provisions for Accidents. Pilots need havo no fear of forced landings. Should a 'plane come down on the route of the Trancontinental railway, the Federal Government has arranged tfor free transportation to the next repair depot. In case 'planes arc forced down elsewhere, a comprehensive system of signalling from the ground has been arranged, and a special aeroplane following a section behind the participants in the race will keep a look-out for 'planes forced to land, and Avill also search for any 'planes reported missing along the route.

Probably the- most interesting 'plane in the luuigers at Mascot is a little Blcm monoplane, made in Germany. It is a low-winged 'plane, fitted with, a 40-h.p. Samson engine. Judging by its size, it does not appear capable of even lifting a man, but trials iavo convinced most pilots that this machine will be- a dangerous competitor for the big prize. It was only recently landed from Germany at Perth, and in a trial flight it flew over tho route of the race, from Perth to Sydney. The Programme. The route of the race will be:— First Day: Morning, Sydney to Jvtncc, 240 miles; afternoon, Juneo .to Mclbounio (Vic), 250 miles. Second Day: Morning, Melbourne to Nhill, 22,3; afternoon, Nhill to Adelaide (S.A.), 200. Third Day: Adelaide to Kimba (S.A.), 180; Kimba to Ceduna, 170. Fourth Day: Ceduna to Cook, 230; Cook to Forrest (W.A.), 140.

Fifth Day: Forrest to Rawlinna, 170 ; Rawlinna to Kalgoorlie, 225.

Sixth Day: Kalgoorlie to Tammin 250; Tammin to Porth, 110.

The entrants include all members %i the aero clubs in the various States, and also Captain H. 11. Grosvenor, the aide-de-camp to the Governor of South Australia,