AVIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 14 October 1929, Page 5

AVIATION

READY FOR TESTS. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) LONDON, October 12. In the presence of hundreds of spectators at daybreak, four hundred men took the I\lol from the hangar at Cardington and safely affixed it to tiie mooring mast at 7.25. The airship made a perfect emergence. It looked slate grey in the early dawn, but was transformed into shimmering silver when -the sun rose. The mooring crew pulled for a mile to the mooring mast where a cable was attached; then tons of ballast were dropped and she rose to the summit, and then swung prettily to the breeze, to • the cheers of five thousand spectators. The first aboard were the designer, Lieut.-Colonel Richardson, and Air Marshal Sir Higgins. The former sent a message expressing delight at the ease with which the ship was handled compared with the difficulties of the R3B. The fuel lines were run out and loading up began in preparation for engine tests this afternoon. All the fittings will be teSced during the next few days, after which short trial flights will be made and theri a public christening ceremony will take place.

GRAF ZEPPELIN

BERLIN, October 12

Asked if they were willing to participate in an expedition to the North Pole, the entire crew of the Graf Zeppelin held a meeting, and decided to refuse.

TOURING ’PLANES

WELLINGTON, October 12

In beautiful flying weather, three Auckland ’planes left for Masterton at 7.30, the first stop on the return journey to Auckland. They will go on to Hastings after a short stay at Masterton, and remain overnight there before proceeding to Gisborne and Auckland.

HASTINGS, October 12

The touring Auckland ’planes arrived here at noon,: after a splendid ’-trip from Wellington. They were welcomed by. Sir Andrew Russell, President of the Hawke’s Bay Aero Club, and Major Reach.