AIR RACE

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20279, 23 August 1937, Page 7

AIR RACE

PARIS TO DAMASCUS. ITALIANS IN THE LEAD. A NEW ZEALAND COMPETITOR. United Press Assn.—Elec. TeL Copyright PARIS, August 21. There were 13 starters In the French Air Ministry’s air race to Damascus and back, held In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Colonel Charles A. Lindbergh’s first solo crossing of the Atlantic, from Paris to New York. They took off from Istres on Friday evening. Flylng-Offlcer A. E. Clouston, a New Zealander in the Royal Air Force and the sole British entrant, left after dark He Is flying the de Havilland Comet in which Mr C. W. A. Scott and the late Captain Campbell Black won the Melbourne Centenary air race in October, 1934. The prize money, which was donated by the French Government, totals £22,000. Italians were in the first three places in the race yesterday. They were Biseo, Lucchlni and Bruno Mussolini. All are flying Savoia Marchettis with British Bristol-Pegasus engines. Clouston was fourth. According to Italian commentators propeller trouble which forced them to land will prevent Biseo and Mussolini from winning the race. New Zealander’s Speed. Clouston is flying at an average speed of 314.83 miles an hour. Codos Is fifth with an average speed of 294.151. The only mishap has been to an Italian machine, which capsized when taking off for the return Journey. The pilots, Lippi and Castellan!, were not hurt. Flylng-Offlcer Clouston Is a New Zealander and was born on the West Coast of the South Island. He trained at Blenheim and then took a short service commission in the Royal Air Force. He is at present Chief Test Pilot to the British Air Ministry. His sister and brother-in-law, Mr and Mrs F. Haldane, are farming at Ohaupo.