’PLANES COLLIDE

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 October 1933, Page 5

’PLANES COLLIDE

HOUSES SET ON FIRE

[nY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.]

(Received October 16, 8 a.m.) NEW YORK, October 15

A message from Wilmington (Delaware) says: Two “air circus” planes collided when 2700 feet over the centre of the city, resulting in injury to ten persons. One of the planes plunged into the roof of a two storey dwelling, its motor tearing loose, and burying itself in the ground. The petrol tank exploded, burning three policemen and injuring seven other persons in nearby dwellings, which were also set on fire.

Tho pilot parachuted into the middle of the street. The pilot of the other plane managed to bring it down safely at. a nearby airport.

SYDNEY WELCOMES SMITH.

SYDNEY, October 15

Sir C. Kingsford Smith yesterday arrived at Mascot, Sydney, at 4 p.m. as arranged, and although welcomed many times before, he was again tumultuously acclaimed by excited thousands after his record flight from England. A large aerial escort, including his favourite old bus, the Southern Cross, met him many miles north of Sydney, and accompanied him to the landing ground. The enthusiasm and admiration when the famous airman glided gracefully to earth was never more pronounced. Among dense throngs to welcome him were representatives of the Federal and State Governments, and leading citizens and aviators. The citizens of Goulburn think so much of Smithy that they contemplate opening a public subscription list to purchase him a high-power-ed aeroplane to enable him to compete in the Centenary Air Race. Some of the speakers emphasised a hope that the Federal Government would retain the services of Smithy in an advisory capacity in aviation matters, in which he is so well informed, and in due regard for the great advertisement he has given Australia. Smith, replying, said he wanted no favour. He was still able to paddle his own canoe, but was always glad to know that Australia got some credit from his exploits. He expresses the opinion that the Melbourne centenary air race from England should be done in three days, flying day and night. MELBOURNE, October 15.

Smithy arrived this afternoon, ending the trip. There was another great welcoming crowd, including his wife.

ULM’S PROGRESS

BAGHDAD, October 14. Ulm’s plane left to-day for Karachi. KARACHI, October 15. Ulm has arrived. AHEAD OF SMITH (Rec. October 16, 10.30 a.m.) KARACHI, October 15. Ulm departed for Calcutta, at 5.30 this evening. He landed at Karachi ahead of Smithy’s time. Ulm flew from London to Karachi in two days, fourteen minutes, fourteen seconds. COBHAM’S PROJECT. LONDON, October 15. Sir A. Cobham is purchasing two more air-liners, converting them to refueling tankers, for a four days’ nonstop flight to Australia. BALLOON RECORD. LONDON, October 14.

The British United Press’s Moscow correspondent says: The log of the stratosphere balloon shows it. reached (on September 30) a height of 63,327 feet, or nearly 12 miles.

N.Z. GRANTS SUBSIDY

[SPECIAL TO “STAR.”]

WELLINGTON, October 16. The Government has decided to make a contribution of £5OOO, towards the cost of maintaining the England to Australia air mail service, xvhich is to be inaugurated shortly. The original service was between England and Karachi, but as was recently announced, it. is lo be extended to Australia. It is not likely _ there will be a direct air mail service between New Zealand and England for sme years, at least, but if it is possible to secure good steamer connec-

tions. between New Zealand and Australia, the time of transit between the Dominion and the United Kingdom will be reduced by about eighteen days. Negotiations between the various countries concerned, have been proceeding for some time, and it is understood finality has noxv been reached as to the payments to be made towards the cost. A greatei proportion of cost will be borne by the United Kingdom and to a lesser extent, Australia. Varying amounts will be contributed by countries along the line of route.