AVIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 3 October 1928, Page 5

AVIATION

ARRIVAL AT CHRISTCHURCH. - (By Telegraph—Press Association). CHRISTCHURCH, October 3. The airmen arrived from Blenheim in the Bristol" and the D.H. 50 at 11.30 and will return later. THE FLYERS IN CHRISTCHURCH. CHRISTCHURCH, October 3. Christchurch was taken altogether by surprise this morning when Kingsford Smith ''and Uhn returned from Blenheim in two of the machines from the Sockburn aerodrome. Tho visit was an unofficial one. Smith stated on landing that he intended 'leaving for Blenheim again at 2.30 p.m., Ulrn was not certain of his movements. In tlie event of his staying in the city to-night, lie will leave for Blenheim not later than to-morrow afternoon. The purpose of the visit to Christchurch was to obtain some equipment for the Southern Cross. SUCCESSFUL TEST FLIGHT. BLENHEIM, October 3. This morning the Southern Cross made a test flight over Blenheim. Sir John Salmond was in control with Squadron-Leader Kingsford Smith at the second joy-stick. The machine gave thrilling exhibitions over the ■town, diving and wheeling almost on the roofs. Also aboard were Major Wilkes, Litchfield, H. R. Dix (President Aero Club) and C. A. MacDonald (Secretary). Squadron-Leader Kingsford Smith was very pleased with the tests and complimented Sir John Salmond on his efficiency, although he had not-; flown a plane since 1920. During the flight -the Southern Cross was placed on the course for Sydney, while Litchfield took v azimuth-:6bserva- f tions with the object of correcting his compasses. GERMAN AIRSHIP. \ AN INAUGURAL CRUISE.

(Received this day at 1.5 p.m.V LONDON; October 2. The Graf Zeppelin, cabled on 28th September, following a, tortuous course from Friedrichshaven, which was frequently altered owing to gales and head winds passedhvpr.j Loiyestqft pt hine to-night. : It lefi 4 the "'hangar at/", seveq. ;thi? . morning. Seventy are aboard, including twenty passengers, to whom a four-course dinner was . served at- a eost- of four* ishillingsLThe' airship was a splendid sight • hnth f feiowittg lights. ; -■ 'intention ’to cruise to Stockholm 'but this had to be abandoned owing to the weather. Instead the airship crossed .to, England, over,which itNcrujsedjdny- .4 iife the higHt: - 1 Hamburg and Berlin /to-morrow. At the opt set; otf they/cumey it battled with gales and the course was altered towards Berlin. Thence a detour was mac|e to Frankfurt. It passed over Doom,, where the and Ids fpmilyfwere outdoors and) cheered. Sighted v! Amsterdam at the flighty .gramophone record pl*y- v ed aboard- waa, relayed to,Germany. It was" at first believed the-airship "would moor at , Gardington mast, >bus ttfie authorities announced no arrangexfients’ had been<made-with-’ the landing staff. ‘ ‘ . ... ... w . foxiS* .1. •' 4 J iV .it «••»*'• - V ..