AVIATION.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 October 1927, Page 3

AVIATION.

CAustraJan Press Association & Sun. WEBSTER’S ORDEAL. ItUGBY, Sept. 28. Flight-Lieutenant Webster, the winner of the Schneider Cup race, in an interview published in the “Daily Mail” says: “So terrific was the speed that to turn round the pylons I had to select landmarks some way before them as a signal to me to be ready to turn. I was so concentrated on the flight that 1 did not see any of the signal flags which were hoisted at the Excelsior Hotel during the race to tell ils what was happening. “I calculated I should complete the course in about 50 minutes. When I had done the seventh lap I looked at my watch, and a.s I saw I had been up only about three-quarters of an hour I feared I had made a mistake, lihd decided- to do another lap to make sure. “The cockpit was like a furnace, and r 1 was mighty glad to get out of it when the flight was over. T was absolutely deaf, although I had not noticed the noise while in the air.” Webster added that although the race involved great nervous tension the actual speed did not affect him ' physically, and he felt in as good condition at the end of the race as at the beginning.

WEBSTER TO .MARRY. LONDON, Sept. 20., An unexpected sequel to Webster's success is the announcement that he is engaged to Miss Enid Darnley, of Ipswich. The bride-to-be states the wedding will take place next month or ns soon as the “ fuss ” is over. Webster, who was recently stationed at Martlesham Heath, used to fly low r over his sweetheart’s house at Ipswich and drop love letters in the garden, 'the lady says: “Everybody in the household was most frightened, but C wasn’t.” Elaborate preparations are being made to welcome the British Schneider Cup team at Croydon on Friday. They will fly from Le Bourgot, escorted by Imperial Airways machines

AIR CRASH. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) BAGHDAD, Sept 30. Koenneckc, attempting to take-off, crashed. The machine was damaged hut the occupants were uninjured. FREWEN’S FLIGHT. BRISBANE, Sept. 30. Owing to unfavourable weather, Frewen has.delayed his flight to Sydney until Saturday.