IN THE AIR

Hokitika Guardian, 25 November 1919, Page 4

IN THE AIR

I AUSTRALIAN & N.Z. GABLE ABBOOI kWON] j START FOR AUSTRALIA. , LONDON, Nov, 21. The crew of the “Kangaroo” were in the highest spirits when they departeel from Houndslow in bright sunshine. ■ They repeatedly waved and shouted farewells to the crowd who gave them a rousing send-off. As the machine bounded forward, the airmen’s “cheerlos” could be heard above the whirr of the engine. The Kangaroo took off cleanly and mounted easily one thousand feet, and circled three times ; around the aerodrome, the crew waving vigorously until out of sight. They received, sheaves of letters and telegrams until the moment of departure, including from Prince Albert ,Hon Churchill* and Sykes. They carry dispatches 'to the Governor-General and others. There was a 25 to 35 mile wind at two thousand feet over the channel and north of France and some detached clouds, but the weather generall was propitious and visibility fair, j

FLIGHT TO AUSTRALIA. LONDON, Nov. 21

Though the adventures already attendant on the Australian flight have shown the grim hazards of the enterprise, the Australian fliers remain undeterred. There are young Australians who are now pleading with every aeroplane manufacturer to provide them with aeroplanes. The Bristol Company has a list of more than one hundred men who are eager to embark, and other companies are in a similar position.

The numbers are gradually thinning, as men are being called up for repatriation, but the boys wait till the last moment, hoping to get a “bus.”

WHERE IS MATTHEWS? LONDON, Nov. 23

The newspapers are mystified regarding Matthews’ plane. The papers are discussing the question of whethei lie crashed somewhere in Germany _ and was interned.

The Air Ministry states that nothing definite has been heard since the 2nd of November from Matthews. He did not ask for permission to fly over Germany, and if he landed there, he would probably be imprisoned.

NEWS OF MATTHEWS. LONDON, Nov. 21

Sopwith’s firm state that M:\tthew s telegraphed them on the 19th, that ho wa'3 held up in two feet of snow at Gouzenlieim and suggesting that he might return to England and restart.

Sopwith replied:—“Keep on.” They are not concerned with the prize, but are wishful that the machine should reach Australia without unnecessary risks. * Lieut R. Parker is negotiating with the Beardmore Aeroplane Company with a view to competing in the Australian flight.