PRIZE SUGGESTED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 219, 16 September 1930, Page 7

PRIZE SUGGESTED.

SOME OF THE COMPETITORS. LONDON, September 12., If all., the reported projects to lower Bert Hinkler's record materialise there, is likely to be a string of aeroplanes 1 between England and Australia in the near future. V ' The latest addition to the list of aspirants which is estimated, to be at 'between five and seven is Mr. A. S. Butler (director of de Havilland's and run-ner-up in the King's Cup race). Captain Matthews, who taught Amy Johnson, expects to be first off the mark. His aeroplane is ready. Others, are preparing at the Stag Lane aerodrome, fitting extra petrol tanks, with the object of covering 2000-mile hops. Pilots are keeping their plans a close secret. Mrs. Barnard states that she did not know that her husband, Captain Barnard, who was the Duchess of Bedford's pilot to Capetown, and back, and who . recently flew non-stop from London to Malta and back in two days, was competing until a day or two ago. Other likely flyers" include M. A. Murray, a well-known Brooklands aerobaticist; Major Gem Pickthorne, a war pilot and King's Cup flyer; Flying-Officer C. J. Ohabot, a war-time pilot and Air Force reservist. Bert Hinkler is reported to be still working on a 'plana iu contemplation of his flight. . The "Ne";s-Chroniclo" states that Major Pickthorne and Murray will fly to Australia together, while, the other airmen who contemplate the trip will go solo. The competitors, who arc all paying their own expenses, suggest that a prize should be offered for what is .one of the greatest air races ever plannedCaptain Matthews is reported, to be planning an extension Of his Australian flight "eclipsing anything ever accomplished by air." ' . . Captain Matthews intends to leave Croydon aerodrome early to-morrow morning, flying alone in a Puss Moth light aeroplane. '.