FIRST TO FLY THE ATLANTIC?

Taihape Daily Times, 29 January 1918, Page 6

FIRST TO FLY THE ATLANTIC?

BRITISH AND ITALIAN COMPETITION.

NEW YORK,

Rivalry between a British and an Italian aeroplane company for the honour of sending the first machine in flight across the Atlantic has been disclosed in New York.

It has been learned, says the Tribune, that the Handley-Page Company which employs hundreds of workmen in England making machines, has sent officials here to plan the transoceanic trip, to take place early next spring. The step was decided on, it was learned, to offset the commercial competition, of the Caproni Company, the Italian manufacturing concern, which has already announced it will send a machine on the long air voyage. The Italian concern’s experts have made spectacular fights in this country, and have already won a favourable position here.

Secret conferences, in which British and American flying experts have taken part, have been held in this city recently. There are certain mechanical difficulties which are being overcome in preparation for the flight. Mr. W. 11. Workman has represented the Handlcy-Page Company at these sessions. He went to Springfield, Massachusetts recently in connection with the flight, and it is thought that a definite announcement will be made by him or his associates on his return.