SPAIN TO BRAZIL

Southland Times, Issue 21091, 24 May 1930, Page 7

SPAIN TO BRAZIL

ATLANTIC CROSSED

THE GRAF ZEPPELIN GOOD AVERAGE SPEED # PERNAMBUCO EN FETE (United Press Assn.—By Telegraph—Copyright.) (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) New York, May 22. The Graf Zeppelin arrived at Pernambuco (Brazil) at 4.32 p.m. (New York standard time). She circled the field and prepared to moor until the morning. She will take in fuel and water during the night and continue her journey to Rio de Janeiro at daybreak.' A message from Rio de Janeiro states that two hours after coming into view, at Pernambuco the Zeppelin dropped her first ropes overboard and began mooring at the landing field. When the Zeppelin was first sighted, which was 15 minutes after the radio station at Olinda reported, her approach, people swarmed out of houses into the streets, while at the flying field the crowd continued to increase. Special trains brought thousands from the country into the city, which was en fete. The distance from Seville, 4000 land miles, was covered in exactly 61 hours, an average of nearly 66 miles an hour. Only 15 minutes was required to secure the ship safely to the mast. Dr. Eckener upon landing, was greatly pleased. He said he had some misgivings about landing at night on a strange field with a “green” crew. Some delay was encountered in getting the passengers off the field, which had become a morass on account of last night’s downpour. Dr. Eckener and the Spanish Prince Infanta Alphonse of Orleans were escorted to the grandstand, where they were warmly greeted by the Governor and State and local officials.

The party then departed to a hotel for dinner, and as soon as they were off the field they had a smoke, cigarettes not having been lit for three days. . While the departure of the Graf Zeppelin may be delayed to-morrow, the gas making machine is in immediate readiness and fuel has been delivered. It is expected that only nine hours will be necessary for the production of the required 7000 cubic metres of gas, and this may make an early departure possible. It is not expected that the dirigible will make even a short!'landing at Rio de Janeiro, as Dr. Eckener is uncertain of the air currents. He was not expected to stop here on the .south-bound leg.

It is stated that the Government has appropriated 4000 dollars to disburse the expenses of the dirigible’s trip from Pernambuco.