N.Z AVIATOR'S FATE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 299, 14 June 1912, Page 7

N.Z AVIATOR'S FATE

MISSING IN THE IRISH SEA. In April last the cable messages described how a Mr. Allen, in attempting to make a flight in an aeroplane from Hendon (London) to Dublin, bad set out from Chester to cross the Irish Channel, and had not been seen after passing Holyhead on April 18. It now appears that Mr. Allen was a New Zealander— Mr. Damer Leslie Allen, a son of the late Dr. Allen, of Napier. He was boni at Limerick in 187S, and was educated at the Bluecoat School. Ho came to New Zealand in 1894, going to a Hawke's Bay sheep run as cadet, and afterwards to the mines at Waihi. While there his engineering abilities procured him a good appointment in Messrs. Fraser's workr shops in Auckland. He was fond of cycling, and became fourth amateur rider for New Zealand. He left Auckland as a third engineer, travelling to London, and stayed at sea five years till he had secured his chief's certificate, and also the Board of Trade's certificate. Messrs. J. and E. Hall then employed him for two years. He made an engineering tour through the East with the object of introducing refrigerating machinery into the navies there, and in this he was most successful. Ho was entertained by the Chinese Admirals, also by Admiral Togo in Japan, and obtained access into clock-yards by their courtesy. On returning to Europe, Mr. Allen met relatives in Rangoon, and won the polo cup and other steeplechases there. Being fond of horse-racing, he was afterwards nominated as a gentleman rider in Ireland by the Marquis of Waterford. In 100!) he married a daughter of Mr. James Croomcs Allen, a London banker, and entered into partnership with Mr. A. J. Maginnis, as consulting engineer. In December, 1011. he oMninr-d bis pilot certificate from the Royal Aero Club. His greatest wish was to fly the Irish Channel to his native land. He left Hendon on April 17, reaching Chester that evening, accomplishing the 170, miles in under throe hours. On the no.\t morning, he left Chester, and was last seen by Captain Vincent of the Donald Currie liner Zealand, flying over hist steamer from Holyhead for Ireland. His little daughter survives him in London, and in New Zealand are bin mother and two unmarried sisters in Hawke's Bav, three married 'Airs. IT. L. Shield. Mrs. Kinross White, and Mrs. E. D. Holt (Cape Run;)way), and his only brother, Mr. J. 11. Allen, who was for some years a well-known gentleI man rider in New Zealand.