AUCKLAND AIR CRAFT.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1730, 22 April 1913, Page 6

AUCKLAND AIR CRAFT.

BIPLANE TRIED. SEVERAL ASCENTS OF SO FEET, (By Telegraph—Soccial Correspondent.) Auckland, April 21. ' Tlie hold which tlio aeroplano has taken in Auckland was further demonstrated by a large gathering of people at the Avundalo Kacecourso yesterday afternoon in anticipation of a flight by the locally-owiied biplane "Manurewa." Only a few days ago tho propeller was smashed while the niuchino was being got under way by tho interference of a dog, but since then the young aviating engineers in charge of the plane (Messrs. Saufonl and Miller) liavo had tlio propeller replaced by another of kauri pine, and yesterday afternoon it was set in motion, with Mr. Sanford in the pilot's scat. I'ho biplane rose gracefully to a height of 30 feet, and travelled almost the length of the course beforo alighting with equal grace. Several flights of a similar nature were made, but, as the engine was not drawing to its full capacity, Messrs. Sandford and Miller'.decided to postpone further effort until .they could take tho engine to pieces for refitting. They are commencing this work to-de.y. Eye-witnesses describo yesterday's ex. hibition as decidedly encouraging, the biplane appearing to have attained a much more perfect balance since the positions of the engine and carrying wheels were altered. Instead of drawing tothe -quiyalont of GO liorse-power, tlio engine provided only 30 horse-power yesterday. If the engineers succeed in bringing it up to its maximum capacity, their chances of success should bo rosy. The monoplane used by. "Wizard" Stono at the Domain Cricket Ground on Saturday for purposes of an exhibition is being removed to a suburban site which is considered to be moro suitable. Mr. Shafer, manager for Mr. Stone, told a "Star" representative this morning that he was determined that a successful trial flight should be mad 3 beforo another public exhibition was given, and, for that reason, ho thought it well to keep tho movements of tho machine private for tho time being. "You will probably not see this first flight," said Mr. Shafer, "but you will hear about it, and the public will bo shown that we are 'determined to satisfy them." He said that he .realised that the failure of the aviator to ascend to a good height on Saturday was decidedly unfortunate, but it was a fact that tlio rear portion of the monoplane was seriously bent after the descent, whethur by contact with tho ground or by tlio crowd which surged round tho machine, ho (Mr. Shafer) could not say. However, repairs were now being effected, and cither a high flight would be secured or no machine would be left.