PROFESSOR BALDWIN.

Press, Volume XLVI, Issue 7266, 28 January 1889, Page 5

PROFESSOR BALDWIN.

11l luck appears to pursue the. Professor here, as bis second attempt to ascend on Saturday afternoon proved a failure. The inflation of the balloon commenced early, but was retarded considerably by the very strong north-west wind which blew during the early parfcof day driving the balloon and tne men engaged in the Work of filling acrossthe grounds. By three o'clock, the time announced for opening the gates, a sfcfeam of pedestrians and vehicles set in Oh the Lincoln road. The wind, though not so strong as in the earlier part of. f_fe<__y, was puffy and from the north-west: 3?he ascent waa announced for _ p.to-, by. which, time some 2000 persons were i_____ the grounds, and a very much larger number outside. It waa, however, 5.10 pan. before the balloon waa considered sufficiently inflated by the PrbteWor to go up. The sand bags were datSth'ed and the various preparations made. 'Mr Parini gave the Professor a seAcX-oSt, __id the ascent commenced. So soon ait _he balloon, was released tho wind: drove it towards the eastern end of. tha prd*i__e shed, near to which tha inflation took place. The' Prof__s_r who ha& : «_dy ascended some six or _igM feet: came in contact; with the verandah, and let go, droppihg on to the ground. : The balloon released from his weight, went np, and catching in the flagpole at the western end of the building was ripped opaa. Ibis, of course, put an end to any further efforts to __e_nd. The Prof__sO_ '- tab_eq_.ntiy appeared on ib.e top of the building and promised to give a free show co &_ to prove that he could ascend. As announced by advertisement, the. Professor will redeem his promise by aaceadLng Iron, the gasworks at noon to-day. TO THB SOS-OS OP TEH PRESS. Sin,—-Permit mc to thank you and the public of Christehurch for your kindness and generosity to mc, and, at the s&sie time, to state that I will give a fres ascent to-morrow (Monday) at noon (wind permitting) from the gasworks, wh-_tt I can have the necessary pressure. And, to save the public any expense or trouble, I will igo two miles high before jumping out, so that all may see from any part Of the city.—Yours, &c., F. S. BAIiBWJH. Christehurch, January 27th.