CONQUERING THE AIR.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 475, 2 September 1909, Page 3

CONQUERING THE AIR.

SOME GREAT TRIALS. Paris, August 30. Mr Curtiss, the American aeronaut, won the 30 kilometre speed race in 26mm 40sec. M. Bleriot’s motor, whilst engaged in his race, exploded, and his burning machine struck the ground with some force. M. Bleriot was slightly burned on one hand. There were a quarter of a million spectators at the demonstration, which took place at Rheims, Berlin, August 30. The Zeppelin airship quitted Friederishshafen on Friday. Count Zeppelin experienced mishaps necessitating stoppages and repairs, and did not arrive at Berlin until yesterday. The Kaiser warmly welcomed the aeronaut, and drove with Count Zeppelin to the Royal Castle. Paris, August 30. Returning from Berlin, Count Zeppelin was compelled to descend at Baelziz, near Wittenberg Two of the fore propellers of his airship broke and pierced the envelope, causing the gas to escape. Londoxn, August 30.

Colonel Cody, an officer of the British Army, who is conducting aviation experiments for the War Office, flew in his aeroplane at Aldershot a distance of eight miles in minutes, at a height of 100 feet. Mr Henry Farman won the prize for the highest speed over a distance of 10 kilometres. He carried one passenger. Mr Humbert Latham, of England, won the altitude prize at a height of 155 metres, Mr Farman coming second at no, and M. Paulhan third at 80. Paris, August 30.

M. Millerand, Minister for Public Works, interviewed at the close of the Aviation Week at Rheims, said he was convinced that there was a great future for the aeroplane, especially in regions where, as in South Algeria and Asia, roads are wanting for the transport of mails. He added that stations would be necessary to enable aeroplanists to replenish their petrol supplies. Paris, August 31. Eight aviators at Rheims offered to attend the projected aviation meeting at Blackpool in October. M. Bleriot and Mr Latham compete at Wimbley in October. London, August 31. Mr Latham goes to Berlin to give exhibitions for a fee of £8750. M. Bleriot goes to Vienna for ,£IO,OOO. The committee at Rheims has £12,000 in hand as a result of aviation week, and has decided to repeat the fixture next year.