IN THE AIR.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 October 1919, Page 3

IN THE AIR.

(By Electric Telegraph;—Copyright.) [AUSTRALIAN tfc N.Z- CABLE ASSOCIATION}

DEPARTURE POSTPONED. LONDON, Oct. 14. !

Matthews has postponed his departure for at least a month. As light readjustment of the engine is being made to enable a spare propellor to be carried.

AN AIR SERVICE. NEW YORK, October 15. The New York “Times” Detroit correspondent states that, a wealthy Cuban businessman has” announced that he wi.; establish shortly, an airplane service between Cuba and New York.

FLY TO AUSTRALIA. (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, October 15

Matthews begins his flight to Australia on Sunday. He was formerly in the mercantile marine and holds an extra master’s certificate. He joinc' 1 light horse at the outbreak of he war and obtained a commission at Gallipoli and subsequently joined the Australian flying corps in France. Matthews ha* an intimate knowledge of Malay Archipelago, and Celebes. Sergeant Kay, the Mechanic, is also 'trained as a relief pilot. Tlie machine carries fuel for twelve hundred miles flight in calm weather . She does not carry wireless. The route is roughly, over France. Italy, Greece, thence to Egypt through Mesopotamia, north coast of Persian Gulf to Karachi, across India, Calcutta, down Malay Peninsula landing at Rangoon. Thence Batavia, Timor and Dhrwin.

MATTHEW’S FLY. 'Received This lint- m f) f>o. a.m V LONDON, Oct. 15. Matthews hopes to maintain an average speed of ninety miles. He will only fly five hours daily. He apprehends the most serious difficulties will be the variable weather in Malaya, and the fact that landing grounds beyond India are an unknown quantity. Ho therefore Will be satisfied if he, completes the journey within six weeks. He is more interested in demonstrating the utility of a single engined plane for long distances, than winning the prize, although he will do his best to win. To do the journey within thirty days, with reasonable certainty, would require relay pilots and prepared landing grounds. Matthews expects to maintain an altitude of between 6,000 and 10,000 feet. The aviators will rely for food upon the hospitality of the countries where they land. Acting on the advice of the Air Ministry, a repeating rifle will he carried to combat any hostile savages. Matthews carries an autograph letter from King George to Sir Munro Ferguson.

POULET’S JOURNEY. (Received this dav at 0.20 a.m.) PARIS, October 14. ' Poulet after passing Lyons flew over Saint Rambert and dropped A bouquet inscribed, “toniy comrade, Jules Vedrines.”

A RECORD speed. (deceived this day at 9.20 a.m.). PARIS, October 14.

Tlie airman Deromanent achieved a record speed of 190 miles near Paris.