IN THE AIR.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 July 1919, Page 7

IN THE AIR.

DEPARTURE OF R34. ,;;; a picturesque scene. New York, July 10. The departure of the dirigible R. 14 from Mineola was hastened by weather reports Buying that the winds blowing over the avia-tion field would probably increase in the next twelve hours, thus threatening to wreck the airship. Before the start thousands of spectators gathered in the vicinity in order to witness the s.tart of the flight towards Scotland. The dirigible carried a mail, including a letter from President Wilton to King George. As the dirigible rose up a mighty cheer swept over the vast crowd. . The roads leading ,to Mineola were filled with pedestrians and motor cars waiting, to see the airship sail overhead. At the last moment, the commander, Majofr Scott, decided ,to take two extra engineers for the return journey, leaving one wireless operator and one rigger behind in order to make room for the engineers.

Commander Scott said that lie wished to thank the American Government and people for the courtesies shown to the crew of the dirigible and the help givefl in the preparations for the return flight. He said he expected to reach England in about 72 hours.

The news that the dirigible intended starting at midnight on July 9 and would sail over New York spread throughout the ci.ty. Crowds remained in the streets awaiting the arrival of the E34, and persons gathered on the roofs of houses, Blcyscrapers, and in the parks. As ,the dirigible passed overhead she was plainly seen from tlie city. Searchlights played on her and her Union Jack and red, white and blue devices were visible. The Toar of her engines was audible. Sirens and whistles Mew land the peoplle in jthe streets cheered, as the R34 turned eastward on an even keel .towards the ocean.—Aua.N.Z. Cable Assn.

The newspapers, describing the departure of R34 for England, state: With dozens of flashlights lighting her path and bathing the huge dirigible in a. silvery haze the R34 sailed from Mineola. She hovered over the city and made her way to the sea. All the wireless stations in New York radioed "Bon voyage; thanks for the visit; come again," while the airship answered these with messages of .thanks. Thousands of persona crowded the house-tops in order to cateh a glimpse of the dirigible which, like a beautiful collosal bird, was floating gently through the air.