IN THE AIR.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 October 1919, Page 5

IN THE AIR.

FLIGHT TO AUSTRALIA. ~ POULET STARTS AGAIN. NOW BOUND FOR SALONIKA. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Oct. 21, 5.5 p.m. London, October 20. j Poulet, who is attempting the flight I from Paris to Melbourne, has left Naples for Salonika. ' The details of Poulet's flight up to the present are as follows: October 14—Left Paris 7 a.m. October W—Landed at Frejus (near Cannes) 2 p.m. October 15—Passed Lyons. October 18—Left Rome for Salonika. October 19—Forced to descend at Naples. October 20—Left Naples for Salonika. MATTHEWS WAITING GOOD WEATHER. FIRST STAGE TO GERMANY. London, Oct. 20. Reports from the Continent of extensive fog areas decided Matthews to postpone his start on his flight to Australia. The prevailing fog in London and the south of England would not have deterred the pilot, but he thought it unwise to risk the uncertainty of landing. He had planned to reach Cologne in the first stage, and intends to make the most of the first day's flight by covering a substantial distance; therefore he decided at midday to wait until to-morrow. Matthews is determined to start if the 9 o'clock Continental weather report is favorable. A crowd of friends gathered at the aerodrome at Hounslow and Matthews and Kay submitted themselves to many photographers after they had completed the last details of packing the rations, cocoa, chocolate, tinned stuffs and thermos flasks. The machine was tuned to the moment, the mechanics putting on the finishing touches during the previous night. HAWKER AS ESCORT. Hawker, who intended to fly from a neighboring aerodrome to escort Matthews for a few miles, learned of the postponement by telephone. Hawker flew Matthews' machine in all the tests, and says the engine is even more perfect than the similar one he used in the trans-Atlantic flight. The pilot, flying with such a machine, must stand a good chance. Matthews, asked whether he was confident that he would succeed, replied "No," but he was hopeful. It was impossible to be confident in face of such a task, but he was satisfied that nobody could have a better machine for the attempt. He had just arrived from a farewell visit to his mother at Stranraer, and said: "I hope soon to reach my second home in Adelaide." Kay, the mechanic, was disappointed at the postponement of the flight, because to-day was his birthday. He embarked from Australia for the front on his birthday. He never thought of undertaking the flight but, while awaiting repatriation, he was approached by two Australian officers who had failed to secure an aeroplane, and thus got. into touch with Matthews.

"BEST POSSIBLE CHANCE." Kay, who was an engine expert at Ballarat, considers that with Matthews' knowledge of navigation, coupled with hia own experience of engines, and both sharingfyhe flying by means of the dual controls, they have the best possible chance. The human factor is reliable, the only unknown quantity is the power of endurance of the engines The conditions are of such varying character that a preliminary test is impossible. Every possible safeguard has been provided, including spare engine parts, also a spare propeller tucked inside the machine, which, loaded, Weighs 6000 pounds. The machine has the international registration sign G—Eakes in large black letters on the upper and lower wings. Experts fear that Poulet's air-coooled engines will be a possible source of delay When flying in the tropics, and express the opinion that Matthews' watercooled engine will give a greater chance, but it is generally considered that the difficulties are almost insurmountable within the allotted time. AEROPLANES FOR CHINA. A BIG GOVERNMENT CONTRACT. Received Oct. 21, 55 p.m. ] New York, October 20. The New York World's Washington correspondent learns that a British Corporation has secured a contract to supply extensive quantities of aeroplanes and hangars, and to construct aircraft Works for the Chinese Government. The Corporation will float 45 million dollars in bonds. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.