THE PACE THAT TELLS

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 October 1931, Page 7

THE PACE THAT TELLS

BRITAIN’S PROUD POSITION WORLD’S RECORDS HELD [BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.] RUGBY, October 1. It is now ‘revealed that Flight-Lieut. Stainforth, after his record flight on Tuesday, privately made an estimate of his speed, which the final computations proved to be within three miles of the actual figures. He had not believed his estimates at the time. His seaplane, ‘which was designed and built by the Supermarine Works o£ Vicker’s Aviation Limited, and fitted with a Rolls-Royce record engine is to be on public view in London this week, and afterwards at the Internationel Motor Show, which opens at Olympia on October 15. Biitain now holds the world’s speed record for aeroplanes, motor-cars, motor-cycles and motor-boats. The figures in miles per hour are aeroplanes, Stainforth, 40S miles; motorcars, Sir Malcolm Campbell, 246 miles, motor cycles, J. S; Wright, 150 miles; motor boats, Kaye Don, 110 miles. The records are all British—both as to men and materials.

The King personally directed Lord Almulre e, Secretary for Air, to convey to Orlebar, Stainforth and the officers and men of the High Speed Flight, his warm congratulations on the brilliant performance whereby the world’s speed record was established. In so doing the King intimated his great satisfaction with the high standard of efficiency prevailing among all ranks of the Royal Air Force and the technical departments of the Air Ministry, as evidenced both on the present occasion, as well as in the recent contest for the Schneider Trophy. The King has further directed that his congratulations shall be conveyed to the manufacturers and designers of the machine, and engine, whose efforts have contributed so largely to those cutstanding English successes. SMITH AT ATHENS. (Received October 3, 9 a.m.) ATHENS, October 2. Smith arrived at 7 p.m. A Smyrna message says that Smith declared a sunstroke obliged him to descend at Milas.

MOLLISON’S TRIBUTE.

(Recd October 3, 9-30 a.m.) LONDON, October 2.

Mollison said: “If Smithy had beaten me, I would have had another smack at the Australian flight. I shall now attempt the London-Cape Town record at the end of the month. Smithy, lucky or unlucky, is definitely the world’s finest pilot, not excluding Lindbergh.”

HOMELAND INTEREST.

LONDON, October 2The absence of further news from Kingsford Smith is puzzling, but it is pointed out that Smyrna is a forbidden area for aircraft. Milas may be considered sufficiently close to give the Turkish authorities an excuse for using sufficient red tape to delay him. It is now impossible for him to break Mollison’s record, but his flight lias commanded great public interest. The newspapers sympathise with the bad luck of a man, who is described as not merely a supreme pilot, but a national figure whose greatness and personal charm are acknowledged world-wide. His delayed arrival disorganised the reception arrangements at Croydon. ,

LINDBERGHS UPSET RESCUED BY BRITISH. (Recd. October 3, 8 a.m.) SHANGHAI, October 2. Lindberghs’ monoplane, taking off from the Yangtze, to-day, overturned, throwing Lindbergh, his wife, and a Chinese doctor into the water. All were rescued by a launch from the British aircraft carrier Hermes. The accident occurred in the vicinity of, Hankow. Lindbergh for the past fortnight has been assisting the Nanking Government in aerially surveying the flooded areas. He was preparing for another survey, and taxiing, when tho plane dipped, hurling the occupants in the water. Lindbergh hopes to be able to repair the plane, and continue the world flight.

N.Z. DIRECTOR RESIGNS

WELLINGTON, October 2.

Wing-Commander Grant-Dalton has relinquished his position as Director of Air Services, but he will remain for some months in New Zealand before returning to England. It is understood that Cabinet has decided that Squadron-Leader Wilkes, who previously occupied the office of Director of Air Services shall succeed Wing Commander Grant-Dalton. -