GRAF ZEPPELIN

Hokitika Guardian, 16 October 1928, Page 5

GRAF ZEPPELIN

ZEPP’S SILENCE. NAVAL MEN ANNOYED. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). NEW YORK, October 14 A message from Lakehurst, New Jersey, sthtes that the officials there are puzzled by a message from the Graf Zeppelin, which at first reported that it was meeting with most severe weather north-east of Bermuda. Then it was stated that all was well, and that the fuel supply was good, but that the course was shifted to the west of Bermuda in order to seek better wind currents.

The Zeppelin’s messages throughout the day have varied greatly, and have been indefinite concerning the airship’s position. The naval officers are worried, and they have ordered all vessel’s which could be used, if needed, to be held in port. The naval officers believe that the only answer as .to the varying position of the dirigible will be that it turned tail before the storm, and that it is now returning over a different course. . It is now believed that the Zeppelin will not arrive at Lakehurst ybeforc eight o’clock to-morrow (Monday) morning. Lakehurst is annoyed by the reticence of the dirigible in not giving mdre accurately its position, as the calculations for reception and aid are greatly hampered, but the owners of the Zeppelin seem to wish to hold to their contract with some news agency. The situation is becoming a delicate one. A high naval officer stated unofficially that,he would be in favour of

“ letting them land in the best way they can.” No great fears are ye,t -felt for the passengers and the crew, beyond the possibiltv of a shortage of fuel and food. However, Lakehurst and Washington are endeavouring to discover where the dirigible may be, but they have been unable to do so up to the present. V

SEEKING FAVOURABLE WIND. WASHINGTON, October 14. . The Navy Department has ordered three destroyers at Charleston, North Carolina, to be prepared to sail within an hour to the assistance of the Graf Zeppelin in case assistance should he requested. News from Lakehurst states, that in the first direct communication to the • Naval Air Station there, the Zeppelin wirelessed at 5.15 p.m. Eastern standard time on Sunday, that she was then ten miles south-west of Bermuda, on a course for Lakehurst, and that she probably would not arrive before the afternoon of Monday, as she was running south-west to reach more favourable winds. This was desirable in view of a necessary reduction in the air speed. All was well aboard, and there was sufficient fuel.

WHERE IS SHE HEADING? NEW YORK, October 14. The latest messages from the Zeppelin indicate that she has continued throughout this afternoon to face head winds near the Bermudas. She is now apparently running south-west for an unknown point. Rosendahl has advised Lakehurst as follows: “May arrive before to-mor-row afternoon.” However, other messages, apparently from the dirigible, indicated that she was heading for Charleston. A navy yard message stated the passengers were disheartened, and were worried about when the airship will land, and that Lady Drummond Hay was continually attempting to encourage them. Naval officials continue to be surprised by the refusal of the Zeppelin to name her position, but they state that more and more definite reports would undoubtedly be sent if there were any danger threatening.

LATEST REPORT. NEW YORK. October 15. News from Savannah, Georgia, states that at 11.45 p.m. on Sunday the Graf Zeppelin was 150 miles north-west of Bermuda, and was heading northwest. ZEa'PELIN AT WASHINGTON. (Received this day at 10 a.m.) VANCOUVER, October 15. A message from Norfolk Virginia states the Zeppelin passed Cape Charles at ten this morning. WASHINGTON, October 15, The Zeppelin was overhead at 12.21 p.m.

FLYS OVER WHITE HOUSE. WASHINGTON, October 15. Having wirelessed for and received permission, the Zeppelin flew over the city shortly afternoon. Clouds tended partially to obscure the gasbag, but the airship was clearly visible from trees and roofs. Huge crowds gathered in the streets while whistles and sirens blew a welcome,. Mr Coolidge and his wife, accompanied by Mr Wilbur, naval officers, and others, took a position on the the Navy Department, over which . Eckener piloted>e craft, after which Jit flew over White House. Observers were able clearly,to perceive the damaged fin, of which three-fourths on the left side of the craft at the tail, had been shattered, but the damage appeared not to affect manoeuvring. The officers earlier wirelessed greetings 'to Mr Coolidge to which the latter replied.' Mr Coolidge also cabled 1 elicitations t° Hindenburg.

ZEPPELIN LANDS 6706 MINUTES FROM GERMANY (Received this clny at 11.25. a.m.) NEW YORK. October 15. •\ message* from Eakohurst states, after flying over New A ork the Zeppelin landed here at S.MR p.m. to-day, 0,700 minutes from Germany.