THE FLIGHT.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 December 1919, Page 5

THE FLIGHT.

CAPTAIN ROSS SMITH. NEARING SYDNEY. By Telegranh.—Press Assn.—Copyright, Received Dec. 26, 7.3 C p.m. Sydney, Dee. 24. Capt. Rosa Smith proposes to reach Sydney at noon on Sunday. A round of festivities is being arranged, including chimes of bells, dinners, and a public t»el»ome at )J"> Town Hall. —Aus.-N.Z. Cab*s AesS.

BREAKDOWN OF MACHINE. ROSS SMITH COMPELLED TO GIVE UP. Received Dec. 20, 11.25 p.m. Sydney, Dee. 26. Captain Ross Smith's arrangements have been upset owing to a breakdown of his engine. After starting from Charleville a fault was discovered in the engine, compelling the aviators to descend after travelling five miles. It was found that the connecting rod had come off the crank shaft, breaking the erauk arm binding the shaft. The Defence Department to-day advised that it is doubtful if the j engine can be repaired.

Captain Ross Smith wired to the Sydney reception committee that he cannot be in Sydney on Sunday, as he had dispensed with all duplicate parts before leaving India. The probability is that the machine will be dismantled and railed to Sydney, where duplicates will be awaited from London or India. Crowds from Charleville flocked to view the famous disabled machine.

FATE OP CAPTAIN HOWELL. MORE ABOUT THE TRAGEDY. By Telegraph.—-Press Assn.—Copyright, Received December 25, 6.5 p.m. London, Dec. 22. Lloyds' Corfu correspondent writes: — During stormy and boisterous weather an aeroplane landed in St. George Bay, apparently in distress. Shouts were heard and peasants showed signals, but no assistance could be rendered owing to the weather. The machine lies on a sandy bottom in twelve feet of water and probably the bodies are entangled in jt. The British tug Morda is attempting to raise the craft.

The manager of Martinsydes points out that the fact that the airmen were able to call for help indicates they alighted on the water safely, for cries could not be heard until the propeller stopped. A study of the Admiralty charts showed they probably landed on Quartermile Beach. They must have been very close, otherwise their cries could not have been heard above the atorm.

It is particularly sad to reflect that Captain Howell, after a long, blind flight, failed to beach his machine, although within sight of a shore light.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.

POULET TURNS BACK. ■ Received Dee. 26, 7.30 p.m. London, Dec, 2.3. A Rangoon message states that Poulet broke a piston rod and abanddned his flight. He is shipping the machine to France.—Times Service.