AVIATION

Evening Star, Issue 21716, 10 May 1934, Page 9

AVIATION

MISS BATTEN'S FLIGHT DEPARTURE FROM ROME Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, May 9. Miss Batten loft Romo at 6.46 a.m. (or Brindisi. THE CENTENARY RACE AMERICAN CONTROVERSY. NEW YORK, May 9. The Nor York ‘ Herald-Tribuno’s ’ Washington correspondent understands that the Contest Committee of the National Aeronautic Association will start a series of conferences on Wednesday, and probably bring to a show down ” the controversy over the eligibility for the rules for the MacRobcrtson race. COLONEL FITZMAURICE INTENTION TO COMPETE. LONDON, May 2. “ 1 am proud,” said Colonel Eitzmaurieu, at a complimentary, luncheon at the Savoy Hotel, “ to represent Ireland in the greatest International race in history.” Ho was referring to the Melbourne centenary race. Air J. W. Dnlanty, Free State High Commissioner, gave the luncheon. Colonel Eitzmanrice’s backer, Mr M'Grath, who controls Irish sweepstakes, said that if Colonel Eitzmanrice won in a British machine he would give the prize money to British charities. If he won in a foreign aeroplane he would halve the prize between British and foreign charities. Mr Gogarty, a member of the Senate, said Colonel Eitzinanriee’s victory would put Ireland where the Governments had not put it—namely, on the map. He considered Sir Charles Kingsford Smith the world’s greatest aerial navigator, though he added jestingly lie had saved General O’Dnffy’s life by pointing out to him the danger of standing too close to Sir Charles’s spinning •propeller. Colonel Eitzmanrice said lie would visit America early in May to inspect American aeroplanes. Ho was afraid it would be difficult to obtain his requirements in Britain, although be wished he could, as he was proud to be a Briton, but winning the race was the only consideration. Ho was seeking a single-engined, low-wing monoplane, with a cruising speed of 260 miles an hour and a radge of 3,000 miles.