A Perilous Balloon Ascent.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3962, 13 November 1891, Page 3

A Perilous Balloon Ascent.

At Croydon, about fifteen months ago, Professor Higgins, who in August last was killed by falling from a balloon at Leeds, had a miraculou* escape from death. The aeronaut had arranged to ascend with bis balloon from the old fair field at the rear of the George the Fourth, and to come down with a parachute. After bidding Miss De Voy " Good-bye," he quitted the grounds at the appointed hour, and had gained an altitude of at least 1000 yards, when, to the consternation of the many thousands assembled below bis parachute became detached through the

breaking of a ring, and bung suspended by a cord until the professor severed it by a knife, which he opened with his teeth. The pace at which the balloon was rising was terrific, as showa by the fact that the parachute bad been fully inflated, although inverted. there was no car attached to the

balloon, only a wooden ring, and the

excitement evinced by those on terra Jirrna was indescrible when the balloon, which by the way had neither ballast hor valve, disappeared in the clouds- Nearly three hours went by without any news of the parachutist, and Miss Pe Voy and her friends had all but prepared themselves for the worst when a telegram was received from Edenbridge, Kent, announcing the safe descent of Biggins near that place. The ovation accorded the aeronaut upon his arrival at East Croydon station with his balloon was one never to be forgotten. He subsequently Bfeatedjiat be bad that day made the most wonderful of all bis aerial voyuttr having, as he estimated .reached of five milts. During the journey icicles formed on his moustache, and reformed as fast as he removed them. Beneath him were what

appeared to be beautiful mountains of ■now, with the sun shining on them. It was only by climbing up into the

net, and partially turning the balloon over, that he was able to release some of the%aa to make a descent.