IN THE AIR.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 July 1919, Page 5

IN THE AIR.

AN AIRSHIP'S FLIGHT, jiakutg good progress. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright, London, July 2. The British military airship R34 on the trans-Atlantic flight sent a wireless at 3.25 a.m. off the Irish coast stating that fog lia<J been encountered. At G a.m. the airship's position was given as 55deg. 20min. north latitude, lOdeg. 40min. west longitude (just clear of Ireland). The average speed was 45 knots. Received July 3, 2.30 p.m. London, July 2. The arship R. 34 reports that her position is IS degrees west longitude.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. Received July 3, 5.5 pm. St. John's (Newfoundland), July 2. ■R34'a wireless is continuously in touch with Ponta Delgado, Clifton, and St. John's, receiving weather reports. The airship's speed averages 43 knots. (REPORT OF AIRSHIP'S PROGRESS, j A THOUSAND MILES COVERED. | Received July 3, 11.10 .p.m. London, July 3. The Air Ministry is receiving wireless progress statements from the R34, which is crossing the Atlantic. Weather reports are notified from Ireland, the Azores, and Newfoundland. The airship proceeded by a more southerly route owing to fog. The latest reports are that all is well, a thousand miles having been covered,- that the ship is flying at an altitude of 2000 feet in brilliant sumshine a"bove the clouds, and expects to arrive at New York on Friday morning, completing the 3500 miles and resuming the return journey to England without delay, via the Azores. In the House of Commons Mr. MacNamara said that the R34 cost £350,000, and that Bix other airships of an improved type are being constructed. — Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. New York, July 29. Commander Read, of N.C.4, interviewed, said the best machine with which to fly the Atlantic was a seaplane equipped with no less than four engines. Commercial trans-Atlantic flying will be done by dirigibles.