OFF TO PEKIN

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 11404, 3 January 1931, Page 5

OFF TO PEKIN

AMY JOHNSON LEAVES ON , SOLO FLIGHT. ' t / FIRST BRITJSH ATTEMPT. (British Official Wireless) , RUGBY. January 1. Miss Amy Johnson left this morning on a solo flight to Pekin, via Berlin, Moscow, Omsk, and the transSilierian route. '

On the northern stage of the flight the machine will be fitted with skis. She hopes to reach Brussels or Berlin to-clav.

This ‘will lie the first British flight direct to Pekin. 1

A-Liege message states that Miss Amy Johnson landed at Biersete aerodrome at 4.15 o’clock. The weather was had. Miss Johnson had followed the Mouse, which -'guided her to Liege.) Slav had some difficulty in obtaining hotel accommodation" 1 for the night, but. the problem was solved with the assistance of aerodrome officials. She will continue the flight in the morning. ENGAGED IN GOVERNMENT WORK , (U.P.A. by Elec. Tel Copyright) (Received Jan. 2', 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 2. The Daily Herald states that when Amy Johnson was summoned for a technical motoring offence yesterday, and the cfiso was dismissed, it was dis: closed that she is engaged in Govern: ment work. Her mother 'yesterday refused to state the connection of that fact with the flight, remarking “That’s an absolute secret.” UNUSUAL COMMENT IN LONDON PRESS ‘‘MYSTERIOUS AND DISTURBING” FLIER BEEN OVERSTRUNG .SINCE AUSTRALIAN FLIGHT IRRITABLE AND DEPRESSED NO EXPERIENCE OF ARCTIC SCENERY nj.P.A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright (Received Jan. 2, 8.5 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 2. The Daily Express states that there is much that is mysterious and disturbing about Miss Johnson’s attempt to fly to China. The newspaper describes''her physical condition as “doubtful.’’ The Australian flight took a great toll of her nervous condition and her flying after her return revealed a distinct sign of deterioration. Friends say she is overstrung, and lately has been irritable and depressed, and cannot remain still for a moment. Her mother and father approved the flight because she is so restless. No British aviator has even flown direct from London to Pekin*. The route includes thousands of miles of Arctic scenery and she has had no experience of snow flying. No insurance has been arranged.