WORLD FLIGHT.

Grey River Argus, 26 May 1922, Page 6

WORLD FLIGHT.

MAJOR BLAKE SETS OUT. LONDON, May 24. Major Blake started his world flight after Captain McMillan, the pilot made u trial flight during the morning. The machine is in splendid condition and includes two petrol systems, whereof the reserve gives one and a hall hours’ flying even if all the pumps o* the main system break down. Three pumps must go wrong before serious trouble occurs. The aeroplane has a flying speed of 150 miles an hour with a full load. It is hoped to reach Lyons to-uight, thence tu Koine. The aviators have sacrificed every comfort for petrol, and stored every ounce. They were carefully considered only taking one stick of shaving coup and a single razor for the three. Blake began the world flight at 3o ’- clock this afternoon. Blake depart <•d from the Wuddor aerodrdome in glorious sun>7uTie.’ Before the start he received this message from the King: 1 ‘Their Majesties wish you all God speed and good luck.’’ Appropriately, the attempt to secure for British aviation the honour of first accomplishing a round the world flight was begun, while Empire Day celebration were in progress. Mascots were showered upon airmen and even tied to the machine. Blake issued a message: "We wil’ nut fail those who have expressed their faith that all it is humanly possible to do to achieve success, we will do. There will be difficulties and obstacles to overcome; if there were not. there would bo no honour in the achievement, but we tire prepared for these, and shall proceed.” Blake added: We will get around th world and be cak here in the luiddh of September. A large crowd at the aerodrome watched the aviators climb into the machine, which was the signal for loud cheers, which were renewed as the mu chine left the ground. Owing to the late start, Blake will stay nt Paris to-night, ami proceed to Lyons and Rome to-morrow. After the final trial, Blake‘took over the machine from the builder. The Brit-i-h, Japanese ami Canadian Govern meats rendered so much assistance that less than one thirtieth of the total route remaim'd for the promoters to oragnise, chiefly from Calcutta to French Cochin China.