IN THE AIR.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 June 1919, Page 5

IN THE AIR.

THE FLIGHT TO AUSTRALIA, j ARRANGEMENTS AND CONDITIONS. By Telegraph.— Assn.—Copyright. Received June 13, 5.5 p.m. London, June 12. Anxiety among the crew of tlie Kangaroo to start for Australia immediately revealed the utter lack of proper arrangements for attempting to win the £IO,OOO priz-e. When Rendel Smith and Maddocfcs entered, tlie authorities of the Aero Club and the Air Ministry pointed out that the route had not been surveyed, that there were no supplies of petrol, which would bo difficult to get owing to the monsoons; and that it was impossible to provide any help east of Delhi; also that the war was still on. France and Italy did not welcome promiscuous flying, and there was even a chance of having to face anti-aircraft guns on the Continent. The Kangaroo's crew replied that they were willing to chance it, and the matter Was then referred to Mr. Hughes, who held a conference to-day at which Mr. Pearce, Colonel Williams, Commander Perm, of the Aero Club, and Colonel Buckler were present. The conference fully discussed the organisation for the flight, and decided that as present arrangements were such as did not afford a reasonable hope of success, the flight must be postponed until September 8. Mr. Hughes, interviewed, summed up the decisions of the conference thus:— Firstly, the Aero Club is to he the judge whether the conditions are complied with. Secondly, all machines entering must have a flying radius of 500 miles. Thirdly, machines must carry a competent navigator. Fourthly, machines must carry spare parts necessary. Fifthly, nrior to the flight the Aero Club should be satisfied that there are properly marked landing places and petrol available throughout the route. Sixthly, in order that competitors should not he financially prejudiced by the delay, the Gnvnrnmpjit would enrol them in the Australian Flying Corps. The Australian Government will also afford competitors facilities for attending the navigation course which the Air Ministry is arranging. Any other competitors whose machines the Aero Club consider airworthy will be entitled to similar privileges. Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. WORLD'S LARGEST AIRSHIP. London, June 5. Whitworth's arc constructing R39. the world's largest airshin. It has a gas capacity of three million cubic feet, is fitted with six 350 horse-power engines, and will have a speed of 70 miles.