IN THE AIR.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 October 1919, Page 5

IN THE AIR.

THE FLIGHT TO AUSTRALIA, POULET'S PROGRESS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Paris, Oct. 15. Poulet (who left Paris on Tuesday for Australia), after passing Lyons, flew over St. Rambert and dropped a bouquet inscribed "To my comrade Jules Vedrines." London, Oct. 15. Matthews will begin ;'his flight to Australia on Sunday. He was formerly in the mercantile marine, and holds an extra master's certificate. He joined the Light Horse at the outbreak of the war, obtained a commission at Giillipoli, and subsequently joined the Australian Flying Corps in France. Matthews has an intimate knowledge of the Malay Archipelago and the Celebes. Sergeant Kay, the mechanic, is also trained as a relief pilot. The machine carries fuel for a 1200milo flight in calm weather, but does not carry wireless. The route is roughly over France, Italy, Geece, thence by Egypt through Mesopotamia and the north coast of the Persian Gulf to Karachi, across India to Calcutta, down the Malay Peninsula, landing at Rangoon, thence to Batavia, Timor, and Darwin. Matthews hopes to maintain an average speed of 90 miles and only fly five hours daily. He apprehends that the most serious difficulties will be the variable weather in the Malay Peninsula, and the fact that the landing grounds beyond India are an unknown quantity. He, therefore, will be satisfied if he completes the journey within six weeks. He is more interested in demonstrating the utility of single-engined plane for long distances than winning the prize, although he will do his best to win. To do the journey within 30 days with reasonable certainty would require relay pilots and prepared landing grounds. Matthews expects to maintain an altitude of between 6000 and 10,000 feet. The aviators will rely for food upon the hospitality of the countries where they land. > Acting on the advice of the Air Ministry, a repeating rifle will be carried to combat any hostile savages. Matthews carries an autograph letter from the King to Sir Ronald MunroFerguson, Governor-General of Australia. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. The airman Dferomanet achieved a record speed of 190 miles near Paris. THE AMERICAN FLIGHT. THE RETURN JOURNEY. San Francisco, Oct. 15. According to a telegram from Salt Lake City, Maynard has departed from Battle Mountain, Nevada, eastward. Received Oct. 16, 7.30 p.m. New York, Oct. 15. Major Spatz has begun a return flight to San Francisco, and Captain Lowell Smith followed. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.