JUMPED INTO ETERNITY.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 427, 11 December 1889, Page 5

JUMPED INTO ETERNITY.

Anotheii name has been added to the list of those killed by attempting to jump from a balloon. This time it is a man named Joseph Lawrenco, who was known to the profession as Professor J. L. Van Tassell. On the 16th inst. , at Honolulu, shortly after 2 p.m. the youthful aeronaut started skyward attached by his parachute to a well-filled balloon. Theoccasion was in honour of the birthday of His Majesty of Hawaii, and thousands witnessed the ascenb. The poinb of starting was well bheltered, and the balloon rose to an estimated height of from five to six thousand feet. Then, it was caught by the trade wind, and passed over the Palace, where ifc had been arranged that the aeronaut should commence his descent. At twenty-two minutes past 2 o'clock Professor Joe cut loose, amidsfc loud cheers. Instead of coming earthwards, the parachute appeared to be caught by the trade wind, lifted upwards, and carried rapidly to sea. For the first few minutes the parachute with its living freighb appeared equal in height to the balloon. Away these two went in the direction of the sea and then the danger became apparent. The parachute was two miles from the shore and there was no provision for assistance under such circumstances. At last the teronant drops after being suspended over ten minutes in the air during which time he travelled about five miles. Various boats set off to look for Professor Joe, and steam was got up in the tug boat Ellen. Diligent search was made until dark, but without success, evidently Pro. Joe Van Tassell had leaped into eternity. P. A. Van Tassell, brother of the deceased, passed through Auckland by the Mariposa last Saturday. He will return hero after the termination of his Australian tour, and will give an exhibition in this city, lie being also an reronaut,