ATLANTIC FLIERS

Hokitika Guardian, 11 July 1927, Page 2

ATLANTIC FLIERS

A FALLING OUT. (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) LODOX, July 8. Atlantic fliers are very much in. the air and out of the welter of projects there emerges deep French chagrin centred around the question: “Ytliat is wrong with French machinesh” The French press is extolling American. Italian and British flights, including Sir A. Cohham’s journey to Australia. The paper also assorts: ‘‘l4c have got brave intrepid airmen, but. where ;ire our aeroplanes?” The newspapers ask should Ntutgesscr attd Colo have been allowed to go to their fate, and point out St. Romnin was permitted to embark on a totally unsuitable machine.

Now the depression is heightened by the decision of France’s outstanding airman, Alaurice Drouhin, to pilot Levi tic back to New York in “Aliss Columbia.” Droughiti has jettisoned a plan to fly a French plane across, and has accepted Devine's invitation to pilot him. Herein rests an interesting story. There have been rumours of a disagreement between Chamberlain and Levine. The former, on arriving at C’oydon. took refuge in non-commit-tal phrases: “1 want to go home by .steamer. He (Levine) was to fly. I am going by steamer: he is going by air. so everything’s all right.” Thus these two intrepid men part company, and Levine faces a new difficulty. Ho does not speak ,a word of French and Droughiti cannot, speak a. word of English. The question arises how will they fare on their 30 hours’ flight across tho Atlantic ?

Levine says he is going to learn a few essential words of French sufficient to enable them to understand each other.

In the background, it is reliably stated there lurks Ohnmherlain’.s doubt as to the practicability of bridging tlio Atlantic from this side. Chamberlain says: “We have accomplished what wo set out for. It is unnecessary to take further chances.” Levine remarks: ‘‘Chamberlain may have Itis own reasons why he will not take ‘Aliss Columbia’ back to America. That is his business. We have, I -suppose. ended our association, but that is ,no reason why «o should not remain friends.” It is curious' to note a difference between Chamberlain's and Lindbergh's reception. Only a few people gathered at Croydon to welcome “Aliss Columbia,” which arrived with an escort of (wo trans-Channel aeroplanes. It certainly is to lie regretted that two intrepid aviators should close their journey with such a disagreement.