ATLANTIC’S VICTIMS

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 September 1927, Page 7

ATLANTIC’S VICTIMS

NO TRACE OF “OLD GLORY” HOPE ABANDONED (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (By Cable—Press Assn.—Copyright.) NEW YORK, Sept. 8. Hope is virtually abandoned for the Old Glory. Vessels after making a thorough search are abandoning the effort. The rough sea rendered the chance of a rubber boat floating negligible. The only remaining hope is that a ship without radio might have rescued the fliers. The Royal Windsor, at present at Harbour Grace, offered to search for the Old Glory, but the weather conditions prevent both this attempt and the flight to England. LATER— Anxiety is increasing on both sides of the Atlantic regarding the aeroplane Sir John Carling, now overdue at Croydon. Nothing has been heard of it since the ’plane left Harbour Grace, and in the absence of reports of sighting over Ireland, which is customary, is causing additional alarm. TO STOP PRIVATE FLIGHTS. PARIS, September 7. The Director of the Aeronautical Department is strongly discouraging trans-Atlantic private flights. He says that they cannot be prevented, but his Department is insisting on their having wireless strong enough to broadcast a 5.0.5., and also that any land plane used must be capable of floating for 24 hours. The Director says: “As they persist in going, we are obliged, in the interests of humanity, to help as much as possible.” ENGLISH ATTITUDE.

LONDON, September 7.

England is anxious regarding the fate of the Old Glory plane. Coming on top of the Saint Raphael’s disappearance, the failure strengthens the opinion against trans-Atlantic flying. ROUND THE WORLD VENTURE. WASHINGTON, September 7. The relatives and friends of Schlee and Brock, now leaving Rangoon, have telegraphed to the. Navy Department, requesting the latter to forbid the two aviators to attempt a flight in the Pride of Detroit from Tokio to the United States. The request is made on the ground that neither of the men is a navigator, and that the attempt would be nothing less than suicide. Acting Naval Secretary Robinson has replied stating that the relatives and friends have his heartiest sympathy, but the Naval Department has no authority to interfere. He suggests that the relatives should cable to the fliers and themselves dissuade them.

ROOK AT CALCUTTA. CALCUTTA, August 28. _ An X-ray examination of Mr Denis Rook, who is on a flight in a Moth machine to Australia, and recently crashed at Aurangabad, reveals that there are no fractures nor displacements of any sort. There is no reason to doubt that he will be able to resume flying and he may be out of hospital in a. week or two. The airman’s journey is under the auspices of the de Ilavilland Aircraft Co., Ltd. When he was told by the house surgeon to sit up in a chair if he felt equal to it, Rook cheerily, replied that he was willing to give a walking demonstration in the Maidan Park. Provided that all goes well with the insurance of the wrecked ’plane, Rook estimates that a new de Havilland machine will take at least five or six weeks to reach him, so he will be unable to start again for Australia before November. He says that since the end of the war he had not flown except for three hours’ solo practice just before he started. After his first forced landing on a boggy cotton field at Aurangabad his was probably the first aeroplane to be pushed by a man three miles along the grand trunk road to the main road. Rook walked backwards directing the operations and occasionally packing up the wings when crossing culverts.

N.Z. A “PERFECT AERODROME.” CHRISTCHURCH, September 8. This morning Group Captain Fellowes, of the Imperial Airways Mission, made a survey by aeroplane of the country between Christchurch and Timaru. This afternoon Captain Fellowes said that New Zealand was a “perfect aerodrome.” The landing conditions were excellent everywhere, and Canterbury presented an excellent area for a second base. He could say nothing definite until the Mission’s report was forwarded to the Government. VISIT TO HOKITIKA. HOKITIKA, September 8. Mr Seddon, M.P., telegraphed last evening as follows:—“The Air Service Delegation left to-day for Canterbury. Am endeavouring to get them to extend their visit from Otira to Hokitika and will wire later.’’ The action of Mr Seddon was appreciated at the meeting of the Progress League last night. It is not unlikely when the flight across the Tasman becomes a regular feature, landing spots along the Coast will be necessary, and certainly near Mount Cook, which will be a guide post to airmen approaching from Australia. In the case of an emergency landing being necessary favourable spots should be charted and made known to flying men. To-day Mr Seddon advised as follows: —“Air Service Delegation leave Christchurch for Hokitika this morning. Please see the Mayor and others to arrange for reception and supplying of particulars considered necessary. Any further information will be telegraphed later. Regards.”