COURSE CAREFULLY SELECTED.

Colonist, Volume LXI, Issue 15087, 2 June 1919, Page 5

COURSE CAREFULLY SELECTED.

AMERICAN PRESS COMMENT,

MOST PERILOUS ADVENTURE IN FLIGHT HISTORY.

and N.Z. Cable Association)

(Received June 1, 5.5 p.m.)

New York, May 19. Ine ''New York Times' " correspondent says it is estimated that Hawker's aeroplane started at a speed of 100 miles an hour. Hawker "and Grieve wore heavy woollen clothing under inflatable rubber suits, which" it was believed would keep them afloat for 48 hours if they fell into the sea. When Hawker studied the weather early in the morning he said he thought he could beat the Yanks across. Hawker and Grieve carefully figured out their course on Saturday evening and Sunday morning. They carried wireless apparatus which had a radius of 250 miles.

During the preparations Hawker showed no signs of any nervousness, and appeared perfectly'calm. Ho'was informed of Raynham's. mishap by wireless. - ■

Grieve said: "We shall fly straight to Ireland, relying for position on the stars to-night." Hawker, before starting, said: "We shall reach an altitude of 10,000 feet quickly after we start, and hold that altitude until we reach the other side. Then we will rise to 15,000 feet in order to_ get a planing radius of fifteen miles in the event of the motor going wrong. We have flown for nine and three-quarter hours in England, covei*ing jus.t half the distance across the Atlantic. Flying over the sea relieves the mind of any worry. Flying over land means the constant worry oi seeking landmarks.''

The New York papers pay a tribute to Hawker's great daring, but emphasize the dangers of his adventure,which is described as the most perilous in the history of ah: flight.