THE LOST BALLOON.

Kumara Times, Issue 1680, 16 February 1882, Page 2

THE LOST BALLOON.

The London correspondent of the Melbourne Argus, writing on the 16th December, gives the following particulars concerning the fite of Mr Powell, M.P. for Malmesbury, who started on an aerial voyage in December last: — “ Another melancho'y incident has excited general interest. A balloon, bearing the name of Saladin, and often employed by the Government, went up

on Saturday last from Bath, to make observations for the meteorological department da tjid temperature of the air’. It contained Mi Walter Powell, M.P, for Malmesbury- Captain Tetilpler, of the Royal Engineers ) and Mr Gardner; son of ilie late nleniher for Cheltenham! Mr Powell is an enthusiastic aeronaut; and has made many voyages. The ballpoii drifted Southwards. Wheri nfear Bridport, as they were approaching the coast, an attempt was niade to descend. The balloon struck the ground ; Captain Templer rolled out; Mr Gardner fell; breaking his leg j Mr Indwell remained irl the car; and the balloon rising quickly, was soon carried oiit td Sea; Evening was cdmiiig on; and although he had proved himself a brave and accomplished aeronaut, great anxiety was felt lest the uncertain currents dt thd wind should prove his destruction; Such boats as could be procured at once put out; A steadier was got in. readiness at Weymouth—some 2tf miles by sea from the Spot—aud started at the earliest possible moment oh the trail: Other agencies were soon sit work. It was .said that something had Ween seed to fall in the sed near Bridport. A. vesSel was sent to dredge, but without result. The search was carried acrosd the ChanUel td Guernsey, b'dt Itill without Sign; The Foreign Office set the telegraph at work, and not only our, own Coast, but the various points of France, dnd dven of Spain', we’re prised of the disaster, and persons set on watch. Yesterday came news that a balloon had been seen drifting on the water near Cherbourg, by a fishetman; and the inquiry has been renewed iri that direction. Large rewards have been offered, but the hope of friends begins to fiag—at least aS regUrdd the life of Mr Powell.”