IN THE AIR.

Taihape Daily Times, 18 July 1919, Page 5

IN THE AIR.

T DIRIGIBLE R.34’S RETURN ‘ JOURNEY. ‘ ; ' ———————<-—————— I i efanar ENTHUSIASM _IN ~ ’ AMERIC'A_ A ON HER DEPARTURE. Rec 'ved 9.5 a.m, NEW YORK, July 10 The Dirigible R.34’s departure from Mineola was hastened by weather reports saying the winds blowing over the aviation field would probably increase within the next twelve hours, thus threatening to wreck the airship before the start. Thousands of spectators gathered in the vicinity in order to witness the start of the flight towards Scotland. The dirigible carried a mail, including a letter from President Wilson to King George. As the dirigible rose up a mighty cheer swept over the crowd. Roads leading %to Mineo-la was filled with pedestrians and motor cars, waiting to see the airship sail overhead_ At the las"Fmoment commander-Major Scott decided Jo take two extra engineers for the‘ return journey. leaving one wireless operator and one rigger behind in ‘i‘order to make room for the engineers. Commander Scott said that he wished to thank the American Government and people for the eourtesies shown to the crew of the dirigible and the help given in the preparations for the return flight, He said he expected to reach England in about 72 hours. The news that the Ziirigible intended starting at midnight on July 9th and would ‘ sail over New York. spread throughout the city. There crowds remained in the streets awaiting the arrival of " R 34. Persons gathered on the roofs of houses and skyscrapers, and in parks. As the dirigible passed" over: head, she was plainly seen from the city, Searchlights played on her and ‘ her Jack of red. white _and_; blue, devices were visible. ‘The roar..__oi-'l, Jher engines were audible“ psirens 4 and Whistles‘ .blew,; and people- in, the streets, cheered..as R. 3,4» turned east-__ wards on an even keel towards the» ocean. _ ._ .‘ 1 . —- l Received July 'lB, 10.5 NEW YORK, July 10._ ‘ Newspapers, describing the departure R 34 for England, state, with ddzens of flash lights lighting her_ path and hathing the huge dirigible in silvery haze, R 34 sailed from Mineola. She _%'VBl'ed over the city and made her 4 ay to the sea. All Wireless stations in New York radioed "Bon Voyage,” ‘