LION GOES ALOFT

Dunstan Times, Issue 3513, 16 March 1931, Page 3

LION GOES ALOFT

QUEER AIR MERCHANDISE The amazing variety of tilings sent by aeroplane was instanced by an Imperial Airways official in a recent interview with a London paper. “ A lew days ago live lobsters were sent to Egypt by the Indian air mail service,” he said. “ Regular consignments of Brussels sprouts are sent there every week. Vast quantities ol mushrooms arc picked in the fields near Paris early in the morning, and by lunch time they are being served in London restaurants. Early strawberries are flown from tbc South of France and Holland. Flowers also come from Holland. The pick of the bulb fields come to London early; we also get roses and peonies.” Ten thousand tennis balls were flown to Germany recently, but more curious still was a load ol scwt of coal and half a ton ol pig iron which was needed for a special easting. The standard tuning fork of the British Broadcasting Company has made an air journey to the Continent. It was thought that the delicate mechanism would he damaged if sent by rail and sea, but it was flown across in perfect safety. “ At one time 01 another we have bad a complete Hying menagerie,” added the official. “In one airplane there were a hear, several monkeys, and about fifty parakeets. I bese were sent to a private zoo near London alter being brought by sea from tlic Dutch Fast Indies, “ About two years ago a full-grown lion was sent over from France. -V special cage was built in the aeroplane, and the trainer travelled with it. The animal gave no (rouble. Seahorses lor the London Zoo are brought over regularly twice a year from the Bay of Biscay. They always arrive safely.” During the motor races on the Continent large quantifies of spare parts are constantly being sent over, and another regular “ line ” is the loud speakers and wireless valves.