AVIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 19 April 1928, Page 3

AVIATION

FITZM AUR ICE’S STO RV. (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Received this day at 10.15 a.m.) OTTAWA, April 18. A United Press message from Clarke City states .superstition, which plays so large a part in the life of an Irishman, caused Fitzmaurice many uncomfortable moments, as the airmen winged away across the Atlantic, but the courageous flier revealed a belief that the charms he carried were potent enough to overcome the ill omen that literally and actually crossed the path of the airmen as they left terra iirina at Ualdonell. This was disclosed by the first extended interview that Fitzmauriee has given since reaching the Continent. He related the story upon liis arrival here with Schiller, after a hazardous trip from Xata.shqiian in an effort to reach Murray Ray. “When we started oil' from Raldonell there was an ill omen, for just a; the engine picked up speed, we saw ahead a sheep wander on to the runway. We did not have enough speed to raise the monoplane into the air clear. Imt it bounced and the tail of the machine hit the sheep. I presume this left a bloody trail along the runway to mark our passage, and it probably did some damage to our machine. All the way across the Atlantic we could not help thinking of the narrow escape we had had from a disaster, and wondered whether the Providence that had preserved us at the very start of our journey would carry us safely across the ocean. When wo had such trouble ill the fog and storms we nearly gave up hope. Sixty seconds before wo saw the little Island with its lighthouse wc Were cruising with practically all hope gone that we would land within roach of civilisation, hut We determined to keep on until we lnul exhausted the last drop of petrol .and fortunately for us we saw the light on the island, and came down safely.” In the light of his experiences. Fitzliiaurice ventured the opinion that the Other aviators who attempted the westward flight, and had ncvcT been heard of again had suffered the same terrors as the Bremen's crew. “ 1 believe Captain Hincheliffc and Moil Elsie McKay may very possibly have crossed the ocean as wc did and encountered the same difficulties as we did on approaching the Canadian coast. 1 hev may have landed somewhere in the thick forest of Labrador.” The citizens of Clarke City did everything possible to entertain Fitzmaurice and Schiller, who expect shortly to proceed to Murray Ray to meet Fraiilein Junkers and lay delinite plans ol procedure.

FURTHER NEWS. (Received this day at 1U.15 a.m.) NEW YORK. April ]B. A Rathe News plane has returned from Seven Islands, where Fitzmaurice was photographed and interviewed on arrival with Schiller. Fitzmaurice seemed puzzled when told ol the public’s anxiety during the Bremen flight. He said: “ Why so much disturbance.” He grinned when told he had “ the lllcli of the Irish,” Mayor Romell, of the village of Seven Islands, headed the welcomers. He said: “Let me extend greetings and the freedom of otir heautiliil city ol Seven islands. Also I suggest coffee, mid a snack of real Canadian food.” Fitzmaurice theii entered the Mayor s

dogsled to which a smart team was at-

taelied. He was wrapped by eager Jin nils in swathing robes. The Mayor shouted, “ Mush,” and Fitzmaurice waved his hand as the team started on a three-mile trip to the village. f OTTAWA, April 18. A message from Murray liny, Quebec, states Fitzmaurice and Schiller left Seven Islands for Murray Ray. where they were expected late in the alternoon. NEW YORK. April I*. Mayor Walker lias received the following message Iroui 11 iiehenlehl: In the name of lily comrades, Kochi and FtLzinaurice, 1 titanic you Mister Mayor for your very kind telegram and your offer. We hope to be able to land in r few days with the Bremen at M.itcliell •field, and then to thank you ami the citizens of your great city and to bring you greetings of our Merman and Irish l ,eo P' o ” II 10

MONTREAL. April 18

The Jlinkers’ plane which ilow here from New York left for New York again with Melchoir and E. Junkers aboard, the hitter’s sister, llerta, still being at .Murray .Ikiv. According to present plans Melelmir will get a new propeller lor the Bremen and return to Canada, hut it is uncertain to what point Ik> will proceed thereafter. There is some suggestion that the Junkers’ piano might try a direct flight from New York to Greetiley Islaml, kut tins is

unconlirmed. Meantime before leaving Seven Islands for Murray Hay, Kitzmaunce stated that had the firemen been undamaged, it would have been possible for them to continue to another point for fuel. He also indicated he may not wait for his German companions to return to TOurope but may take an early boat back to Ireland. OTTAWA, April IS.

A message from Quebec states Solid ler and Fit/.maurice arrived at Stagnes aerodrome, fifteen miles from Murray Hay.

ANXIETY It 10LIF.A’ED. CAPETOWN'. April IS. An.vie tv for Coblmm’s fate, resulting from a Sierra I.eone message that lies'll ad not arrived and there was no trace of him at Grandbassam. Monrovia, was allayed by the receipt ol a cable from Accra tliat Cobham was safe. Trouble had developed and lie returned to Abidijan.