AVIATION.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 April 1928, Page 2

AVIATION.

(s-nited Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) NEW YORK, April 17. It is not definitely known, although it is believed likely, that Major Fitzmaurice will continue (lying to Murray Ray, and thence to Quebec, and so on to civilisation ; because if this is his intention, the weather conditions are such that they may be kept for days in the little village of Napasle quail, with its little cluster of lints and its fifteen inhabitants.

There is no explanation available for Major Eitzmauriee’s anxiety to deliver President Cosgrave’s letter to President Coolidge, without waiting for his companions.

NEW YORKERS’ WISH. NEW YORK. April 17. The New York “ World ” states that the news that Major Fitzmaurice had left his German companions, and was coming to New York before them, was greeted with incredulity and dismay, particularly among those having in hand plans for their reception, as it bad been expected Hint they would collie together to receive Die' honour and plaudits that the people of Now York are preparing for them. Mayor Walker, of New York, has telegraphed to Major Fitzmaurice expressing his expectation and hope that the Major would await his companions on his arrival in Canada, before proceeding on to New York.

lIOFF OF REPAIRING BREMEN NEW YORK, April 17.

The fact of the German fliers remaining at Greenley Island is interpreted as re-uffirming their determination to repair the Bremen and conlinue to fly her to New York. It is still believed, however, that insurmountable difficulties surround any efforts to lit tlie aero;,lane to continue the Might, due to the necessity to substitute parts and to supply special benzol fuel both of which are nut avail-

NFW YORK, April 17. Regarding the Bremen’s future movements. a later report states that Major Filzmauriee’s flight to Quebec city is being made to select repair parts lor the Bremen, and Count Yon Hucnfeldt is now reported to have stated that the neicssarv parts can he brought to Greenley Island easily, and that the delay will not be long. Major Fitzmmirire is now reported to plan to wait at Qhicbec city for his companions, while the airman Schiller will return to Greenley Island with spare parts from the New York Junker plane.

FITZM A (Hi LCE’S RECEPTION. NEW YORK, April 17

The New York “ Tribune ” has published a despatch, said to have been obtained by long-distance telephone and telegraph from Napashquan, describing Major Fitzmaurice’s arrival there, and his well nine by the Mayor of the village in the patois French language. Major Fitzmaurice, in reply, made the remark: "No tribute, even in New York, which was our destination, could touch me more than this one accorded me by these humble, isolated people. .1 shall remember and cherish it the rest of mv life.”

Major Fitzmaurice was greeted by the village priest, with whom he went to llie local church, after which he took tea at the .Mayor's house.

NEW YORK, April 17

The plane carrying Major Fitzmaurice is now reported to have had to make a forced landing at the Natasliquan, in Quebec Province, due to bad weather. The Irish Free State Minister to the Failed Stales, Doctor Smiddy, has announced that the tl if r would proceed to Quebec city as soon as possible. Dr Smiddy would meet him in .Montreal, both thence proceeding direct to Washington for the presentation of the letter from President (osgravc to President t'oolidge. and they hope to arrive at Washington at the end of the week.

BREMEN’S NEW OBJECTIVE. NEW YORK. April 17. The "New York Times" states:— ’the continuation of the Bremen’s flight may he delayed beyond to-morrow with the report of a message from Count Von lluheiifeldt. which said that the wheels, the cabin, and the propeller of the plane are badly damaged, but that the wings are intact, and adding that icpnirx "will not he completed lie fore live or six days.” The Canadian airman, Cuisinier. lias reported that he would remain to assist to repair the Bremen, whose pilots are now considering a flight to Quebec city, and not to New York city. PRESSMEN HELD FP. NEW YORK. April 17. One hundred newspaper men and as many photographers have been vainly trying to reach Greeidey Island, but as yet no one has been able to transmit direct, word from the fliers giving anything like a concise description of their amazing experiences. It may he a week yet. although it is Imped that the task can he accomplished much sooner, before the world can know all it wishes to know concerning the Bremen’s sensational hop.

ICE-BREAKER NEARING ISLAND OTTAWA. April Ri.

A message received by the Government Telegraph Service states that since the ice-breaker .Montcalm, according to the latest report, has broken away from the ice. and is within thirty miles of Grcenlcy Island, it is now intended to take (name not given) to Quebec on the steamer, and not fly it out. as planned earlier. NEW YORK, April 17.

A report from Green lev Island StateThree men have arrived in a small boa from tlie mainland. The ice-hreakc Montcalm is making little or no pn gross. Heavy ice and a eontinuin storm are holding the vessel back.

WIRELESS FROM HFHFXFELDT NEW YORK, April 17.

The North German Lloyd Coy. ha received a wireless message from Haro Yon Hulienleldt as follows; "Well, an hope to see you soon.” BERLIN, April 17.

President Yon Ilindenhurgh has re •cited a message from Pilot Koelil am 'omit Yon 11 uheiifeldt as follows:

“ With God’s help, we have achieved the first east to west flight in a German aeroplane. We made an intermediate landing on Greeidey Island. Accept >iir respectful greetings, in which our Irish comrade. Fitzmaurice. joins.”

IGXKKR PLANE NOT GOING ON. MONTREAL. April 17. The Junkers plane which left New fork has arrived here. ” We have come to Montreal to study nore closely the Bremen situation, hut here is little possibility of our Hying n to Greeidey Island.’’ said Miss linkers on arrival.

ITALIAN SQUADRON TOUR. ROME, April 17. Fifty hydroplanes, half of them under the command of the Marche.se De Pinedo, and half under that of Commander Balbo, will shortly undertake a flight over the Mediterranean Sea, visiting France, Spain. Morocco, Algeria, Tunis. Egypt. Turkey, Greece, and Malta.