AERIAL NAVIGATION.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 46, 18 November 1907, Page 7

AERIAL NAVIGATION.

THE BALLOON DID NOT GO UP. The problom of aerial navigation, though far advanced in the older countries, is apparently still in an embryo state in tho Dominion, as was shown by the efforts of Professor Barnes at Day's Bay on Saturday. Tho spacious ferry boats, with several hundreds of excursionists, loft Wellington to the dulcet strains of a special band. Excitement was in tho air, for was not Professor Barnes, accompanied by u young lady, to ascend to a height novor beloro reached in the Dominion. Very shortly after leaving tho wharf, seas commenced breaking over the vessel, causing much discomfort among those who braved tho elements to soo the ascent. Day's Bay wharf roached, the crowd pushed forward to whero the silky structure was to start ou its aerial flight. Tho Professor was thcro. but there was no appearance of the lady. The first perfomiance was, of course, tho inflating of the balloon, unci, as far as the afternoon's programme went, i; was the last. Several gallant attempts were made to fill Die huge concern with hot air, but the cruel winds sent tho Professor's awistants in all directions, as they vainly tried to steady tho balloon. The last straw was tho ripping of the Professor's toy, so iho ail space in tho vicinity of Day's Bay remained unconquered last Saturday. The Harbour Ferries Co., recognising the disappointment, throw the water chute open to all, froo of charge, until tho warning whistle of the Cobor reminded passengers that the time fori embarkation had come, • .