GRAF ZEPPELIN

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 16 August 1929, Page 5

GRAF ZEPPELIN

CONTINUES WORLD TOUR.

WORST STAGE TO TOKIO. EMERGENCY PLANS PREPARED. 'United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright..) (Australian Press Association.) BERLIN, Aug. 15. The Graf Zeppelin started from Friedriohshafen for Tokio at 4.30 a.m. to-day in continuation of its world tour/ It left Lakehurst, New Jersey, on Thursday, intending to fly round the world in 14 days. The present stage is the most hazai'dous. The Zeppelin, which started in ideal circumstances, is now averaging 62 miles an hour. Two passengers, Mr Pierce, an American millionaire, and his wife, missed the airship, though they made a rush journey from New York and chartered an aeroplane in Europe in the hope of reaching Friedriohshafen in time. Aeroplane engine trouble, however, compelled a forced landing, and the .Pierces just saw the Zeppelin passing over Berlin. In case the Zeppelin is stranded in Siberia, it is taking a store of Arctic provisions and guns to enable the passengers and crew to live under Arctic conditions. In this case Sir Hubert Wilkins, who again is a passenger, will take command and guide the party to safety. Indeed, Sir Hubert formulated plans to meet such a orisis. The plans were kept secret till the last. moment, the Zeppelin Company fearing a disclosure would arouse a far that the Zeppelin was not expected to reach Tokio safely.