TRANS-ATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 July 1919, Page 2

TRANS-ATLANTIC FLIGHT.

(By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.)

R, 34’s JOURNEY

LEAVING MINEOLA. (Received this dav at 9.20 a.m.) NEW YORK, July 10

Dirigible R 34’s departure from Mineola was hastened by the weather reports saying that the winds blowing over the aviation field would probably increase in the next twelve hours, thus threatening to wreck the airship. Be. fore the start, thousands of spectators gathered in the vicinity in order to witness the start of the flight towards Scotland. The dirigible carried a mail, including a letter from Mr Wilson to King George. 1 As the dirigible rose up, a mighty cheer swept over the vast crowd. Roads leading to Mineola were filled with pedestrians and motor cars to see the airship sail overhead. At the last moment, the Commander, Major Scott, decided to take two engineers for the return journey, leaving one wireless operator and one rigger behind, in order to make room for the engineers. Commander Scott said that lie wished to thank the American Government and people for the courtesies shown to the crew of the dirigible and the help given in preparation for the return flight. He said lie expected to reach England in about 72 hours.

The news that the dirigible intended starting at midnight on July 9th and would sail over New York, spread throughout tile city. Theatre crowds remained in the streets awaiting the arrival' of R 34. Persons gathered on the roofs of houses and skyscrapers and in the parks. A dirigible passed overhead, it was plainly seen from the city, and searchlights played on her, and her Union Jack and red, white, and blue devices were visible The roar of her engines was audible. Sirens, and whistles blew, and people in the streets cheered as R. 34 turned eastward on an even keel towards the ocean.

A GREAT SEND-OFF.

NEW YORK, July 10. The newspapers describing the departure of R 34 for England, state with dozens of flashlights lighting in her path and bathing the huge dirigible in a silvery haze, R 34 sailed from Mill cola. She hovered over the city and made her way to sea. All the wireless stations of New York radioed “Bon voyage, thanks for the visit, come again,” while the airship answered those messages of thanks. Thousands of persons crowded the housetops in order to catch a glimpse of the dirigible which, like a beautiful colossal bird, was flowing gently through the air.