OVER THE CITY.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 32, 14 March 1914, Page 10

OVER THE CITY.

SCOTLAND'S PICTURESQUE FLIGHT. BEATING A TRICKY WIND.

This afternoon Christchurch saw as fine an exhibition of the airman's art as it is possible to imagine. There can be no doubt now that the young New Zealand birdman, J. W. H. Scotland, is a first-class aviator, for his performance J to-day was one worthy of a master of aviation. Early this afternoon a crowd of over 3000 gathered on; the Addingtoa show grounds to witness the flight, and no one who was/privileged to be preseat will ever forget the thrilling spectacle. The machine was on view in front of the grand stand for some time, and then the engine was/given a trial run. Everything went satisfactorily, and the machine was slowly ' ' taxied'' round the rails, the young aviator being accorded a continuous ovation as he progressed round the ground. "He's Off.'' The machine reached the starting position at the western end of the enclosure about 4 p.m., and the aviator signalled that all was well. A mechanic gave the tractor a few turns, and the engine started with a loud roar. There was no one to hold the machine back, as is usually the practice, and as soon as the tractor gathered speed, the beautiful Caudron biplane began to move rapidly across the grass. A few yards had been traversedwhen the tail rose.into its horizontalNjying position, and so the 'plane sped along, until it was opposite the grandstand. Then Scotland gave a hefty pull on his control lever, and tip she went, amidst tremendous cheering. A Critical Moment.

High over the heads of the crowds she rose', the 'plane rising truly and steadily. She had,•reached an altitude of about 200 ft, still travelling in a straight line, when"a strong gust came right under the left plane, and tilted the machine to a dangerous-looking angle. The aviator's control over his frail machine was wonderful, and with a quick sidewayS movement of his control, he warped his wings and immediately righted his reeling craft. The most ignorant • member -of the crowd—ignorant that is so far.as flying is concerned—could see that the aviator was in a tight piace, and, as he brought hi* machine back to the horizontal, -a loud cheer arose. Of course Scotland could not. hear the cheering above the crash of his exhaust, but the demonstration amply proved that his great skill met with the appreciation it deserved.

Decidedly "Bumpy." Air day long young Scotland and his friends had closely watched ±"93 trees and the smoke from the factory chimneys surrounding the aerodrome for an indication of the strength of the wind. In the morning and the early afternoon conditions J were extremely t tricky, and it was certain that the aviator was "taking on" nbfsihajl. risk. Clouds there were none how the breeze was. blowing high up. Just as the exhibition commenced the wind fortunately fell away a .great deal,- although conditions were decidedly "bumpy"in the lower levels.' Above the "Subbßr-necks." . s , As has already been "recorded, the flight commenced in a strong gust, but as the 'plane climbed up into the blue it gradually went more steadily, and the young aviator found himself in much calmer air. Circling swiftly round the showgrounds, he shot rapidly up, until he was a clear' 1000 ft above the circle of rubber-meckers. He made two circuits, and then shot off in a bee-line to Lancaster Park. Dangerous Banking. Soon he was but a speck.in the sky. The anxious watchers at Addington saw him turn rapidly round and volplane down to the park. The bow of his machine was pointed at a sharp angle to the ground, and he shot earthwards at what seemed at that distance a most dangerous angle. As a matter of fact, the descent was beautifully; and skilfully made. As he approached the park, the,aviator was greatly amused to see the players scurrying off the 1 ground. He came to within 40ft of the playing, area, and then, with a sharp pull on his lever, rose again rapidly. Over THE SUN Office. He passed quickly over the park, and away again, and then turned the biplane for the city. He rose to a height of about 2000 ft, and made straight for the centre of the city. Arrived at the Cathedral—by this time he was about 1500 ft up—he encircled the building, and then sought out THE SUN Office, over which he passed, giving a friendly wave to some of the "boys" who had gathered on the roof to see him pass. At Sixty Miles an Hour. Then he was off again at 60 miles an hour for Addington. As he passed over Hagley Park he picked, up his starting-point far below him, and immediately began his descent. This was by far the finest part of the flight. Down and down came the graceful plane, growing bigger at every moment. A turn round the ground, and it was again in the tricky lower levels —about 600 ft up. As the aviator passed over the pavilion on the trotting ground, a sharp puff just struck his machine, and once again a beautiful bank averted what the ordinary observer would be pardoned for thinking was disaster. Round and round, and lower and lower, came the 'plane, until it was only. lOOit above the ground. A beautiful volplane with the engine shut off brought it close to the landing-mark, but again the wind proved baffling, and with a crash anil a roar she soared again. The Landing. The third time round, the aviator 'was successful. Just as he flew over the end of the ground his engine shut off with a puff of yellow smoke, and dipped sharply earthwards. Passing over the temporary hangar at the end of the enclosure, the 'plane came down at a tremendous speed, and finally took the earth just opposite the stand. A short run-along-the grase, and. all was over. A magnificent flight was ended. Magnificent Reception. Scotland was accorded a magnificent reception. The crowd surged round him and everyone, wanted to shake his hand and pat his back. An old man, 98 years of age, greeted him and thanked the aviator for allowing him to see the wonder of the age before he died. Mothers brought up their children to speak to the birdman, and even the policemen seemed to lose their heads. It was a, scene of magnificent enthusiasm. A Modest Airman. As usual, Scotland was about his fine achievement, Mat he

could not help expressing his*_pride in: his performance. He was greatly elated by his reception as he passed *over the city, arid spoke with enthusiasm o£ the who greeted him from tfVery roof and: vei£inidah>. • His only regret was ti*at he had' no one with him to share feeling :of : elation. ; AT LANOASTEBPARK. When j the biplane neared Lancaster Parkj, were playing Canterbury, there was a loud demand from,tJie big crowd that Ihe gtfifie should be stopped. But play was not interrupted until Scotland was quite, >near. . The iaviator came in a straight line from the show grounds Jo the park. Circling gracefully round the park, he approached the earth in a spiral,.-until he vas. but fifty feet or so above ; the grqund.. The beautiful machine glided as gracefully as a bird, and the crowd roared again and again its appreciation* Having given a fine opportunity of seeing the biplane in the air, Scotland increased, his elevation, circled the park again, and went off at great speed. , -<

OVER THE CITY. 'The flight over the city was witnessed by thousands of people. It was astonishing to observe the amount of interest with which the passing of the biplane was awaited. At almost every door facing to the south there were gathered small groups of people, all intent on seeing something new to them.' The flight over the city was a beautiful one. The thudding of the motor ■could be heard 1500 to 2000 feet below, but the machine appeared to be' gliding . through the air on an even and easy course. The Cathedral spire was circled by -the intrepid aviator, the „ machine making a beautiful sweep. Mr Scotland passed over THE SUN office, waving his hand >to some spectators on the roof.• After some more manoeuvres, he sailed off towards .the west,- giving a beautiful exhibitions of flying. '