FLIGHT OVER NEW YORK

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 253, 21 July 1919, Page 7

FLIGHT OVER NEW YORK

. $ DEPARTURE OF R34. New York, July 10 (delayed). With dozens of searchlights lighting tho path and bathing the dirigible in a silvery haze, R. 3-1 Railed from Jlineola, hovered over the city, and made its way to eea. All the wireless stations in New York sent out "Bon voyage; thanks for tho visit, come again." while the airship answered those with messages of thanks. The departure of tho Airship 'from Mineola was hastened by weather reports which stated that the winds then blowing over the aviation fiefd would probably increase in tho next twelve hours, and thus threatened to wreck the airship before it started. Thousands of spectators gathered in the vicinity, in order to witness the start. The dirigible carried a mail, including a letter from President Wilson to King George. As the dirigible rose a mighty cheer swept over the vast crowd, ulie roads lending to Mineola were filled with pedestrians and motor-ears, waiting to see the airship sail overhead At tho last moment the commander, Major Scott, decided to take two extra ei'Rineers for tho return journey, leaving one wireless operator and one rigger behind, in order to mnko room for the engineers. ' Commander Scott said he wished to thank the American Government and people for the courtesies shown to the orew of the dirigible, and for the help 7iven in preparation for the return flight. Ho said he expected to reach 'England in about 72 hours. The news that the ~i\.U intended to start nt midnight on the 9th, and would sail over New York, snroad throughout ths city, and theatre crowds remained in the streets awaiting its arrival. Thousands of persons gathered «n th Q roofs of JuiusM and skyscrapers, and in the parks. As tho dirigible passed over the city it was plainly seen. Searchlights played on her, «n<) the Union Jock and the v?d, white, and Hue devices were visible. The rear of her engines could be iimrd. The people in the streets cheered as the R. 31 turned eastward towards the ocean.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.