TELEGRAMS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXV, Issue 124, 27 May 1913, Page 3

TELEGRAMS

AIRSHIP FLIGHT WITH A LADY PASSENGER [BY TELEGRAPH — SPECIAL TO THE POSX.] AUCKLAND, This Day. Several visitors to Avondale yesterday afiternoon were treated to the exhilarating experience of an airship flight, the vehicle of transit, being the biplane "Mannrewa," owned by a local syndicate. During the past few weeks a.°siduous practice has been indulged in by the two young engineers now in charge of the machine (Messrs. Sandfoid and Miller), with the result that tho biplane is now held under excellent control. Mr. Sandford, who fills the role of pilot, has had numerous flights about, the Avondale Racecourse at elevations ranging up to 30ft, and on several of these occasions he felt that he could have taken the machine further a-field. Caution prevailed, however, and it is still the intention of the aviators to refrain from ambitious efforts until they feel thoroughly sure of the biplane in all N departments. So far they have not succeeded in inducing the engine to run up 1o its certified capacity— from 1200 to 1500 revolutions — but they are gradually increasing the register and are confident of mastering their difficulties very soon. Yesterday the engine was providing sufficient power to life a- passenger in addition to the pilot. One of the passengers was Miss Lester, daughter of Mr. A. N. Lester (a member of the taroprietary syndicate), and while that lady occupied the spare seat the machine made graceful undulating flights up and down the course. Miss Lester may thus claim the distinction of being the first lady to take part in an airship flight in New Zealand.