THE GREAT AIR RACE

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 28, 28 October 1919, Page 5

THE GREAT AIR RACE

MATTHEWS? SURPRISE VISIT TO COLOGNE THE "BLAZING TRAIL" TO EGYPT By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright London, October 25. The Air Ministry's telegram has allayed anxictv in London concerning Captain Matthews and Sergeant Kay. They have evidently decided that the Paris-Lyons-Frcjus route is not as direct aa tho line across tjeruiany. They lauded at Marquise on Tuesday afternoon, and reached Cologne on the, following day. Flying over the enemy countries is forbidden, but apparently there is an exemption in favour of the rhiglaiid-to-Aus-tralia (Iyer.-. Captain .Matthews- intends lo follow the route across tlermauy and Austria, and to proceed to Majta and Egypt. There may thus lie considerable periods without news of his progress. Mr. Keith Murdoch writes:—"Captain Matthows's appearance at Cologne astonished the officials. He kept the secret well, but his closest friends expected that he intended to defy the international convention which provides against flying over enemy country." Mr. Sopwith. in an interview, says tho whole thing is a mystery. He ventures tho theory that Matthews got lost, in a fog or over, rouged country, and suddenly found himself at Cologne. As a matter of fact, however, tho Eastern route saves nearly a thousand miles. Thero is no news regarding the aviator's departure from Cologne, but tho authorities have probably found that Malthews's sporting plea is irresistible, and "winked the other eye." He is doubtless now well down towards Turkey. Dealing with tho different competitors, Mr. Murdoch says three parties—Douglas. Wilkins, and Eossmith—aro leaving on successive rtays at tho end of tho week if the weather is favourable. Wilkins's effort is largely private, but Douglas and Eossmilh are backed by great aeroplane companies, and are equipped with every scientific aid, in the most modern machines. A grim reminder of the dangers of the journey comes in tho statement that eleven British aviators have met death alrendy in trying to fly to Egypt. Tho route is now called "the blazing trail," owing to tho number of disasters. Colonel Henderson, an ex-Flying Wing commander, says that only thirty per cent, out of three full squadrons of Hanolev-Page's ordered to fly to Egypt reached their destinations. The others were burned or broken down, owin" to the severity of the trial. Besides other disabilities, the rubber connections perish, aid other parts of the machines got out of order, "owing to tho drastio weather conditions.—Aue.-N.Z. Cable Assn.