ZEPPELINS FLIGHT

Hokitika Guardian, 9 August 1929, Page 6

ZEPPELINS FLIGHT

LEAVES ON WORLD CRUISE. (United Freas Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—^Copyright.) NEW YORK, Aug. 8. The Graf Zeppelin is ready to begin the round the world trip from Lakehntstj at midnight to-night. Favourable 'weather is assured, at least lmtib the ship is well off the American coast. * , • < A great crowd is gathering to witness its departure. There .are twenty-two passengers, including Sir G. Wilkins, and Lady Drummond-Hay, who will be -the only woman on the round flight. The principal effect of the round the world flight, if successful, is expected to oe the assurance to the public which will permit a regular trans-At-lantic dirigible service being established in 1931. , Captain Eckener will fly over London for the first time on this trip. • The Commander said: “I am confident- of success. If we have a misnap anywhere on the world trip, and simply must land, I hope to have the • assistance ■of the people into whose country we descend.” Later the Graf Zeppelin left Lakohurst ground safely and departed at 11.42 p.m. eastern standard time, with favourable: weather, and before a. great and enthusiastic crowd of ‘all classes. Many of the most fashionable members of New 1 York society were present. An eighteen-year-old youth was. captured while attempting to'board the ship from the beams overhead in the hangar, when a member. of the crew saw a red sweater lie" wore." The German officerswert much offended and angry after a similar episode on the crossing from Friedrichsh'afen, and the boy was taken to gaol, for punishment by marines. The officials were otherwise in good humour at the successful take off, and the passengers waved gaily from the gondola windows, as an engineer discharged the water ballast to “weigh” the ship, as it moved slowly out of the hangar. "■ She then rose evenly into the air.