ON THE WING.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXV, Issue 1898, 18 April 1913, Page 2

ON THE WING.

SHORT FLIGHT AT AVONDALE. Both of the big bird machines that have been attracting a deal of I attention in Auckland of late (says [ the Star) are stationed in readiness to flap their artificial wings and soar to greater heights just whenever the necessary inclination and skill are displayed by their owners. One is tne "Farman biplane," which Mr F. E. Sandford (an enthusiast with experience in Australia) is manipulating on the Avondale racecouise, and the other is the monoplane, which Wizard Stone, the well-known American airman, recently brought to Auckland (and with which he intends to make an exhibition flight at the Domain Cricket Ground on Saturday. The patient preoarations of Mr Sandford and an assisting engineer from the South (Mr Miller) were rewarded by an encouraging glide at Avondale on Sunday afternoon, an event which was witnessed by a large gathering of people whose curiosity had led them to the locality on the off chance of seeing something unusual. As a matter of fact, the racecourse has been quite a popular quarter for visitors since the experiments with the aeroplane commenced. Taking his position in the steering seat Mr Sandford set the powerful engine in motion, which in turn started the'propeller revolving, and away glided the macnine, with its 30ft wings filling the breeze. It rose to an altitude of about 300 yards, after which Mr Sandford glided back to terra firms. He made one or two smaller flights, but did not attempt too much because of the lack of suitable places for alighting. It is understood that something more ambitious will be attempted during the next few days. The other instrument of flights rests in a 30 x 30 tent at the northwest corner of the Domain cricket ground. Since its in Auckland the engines have had a trial run, the monoplane being "anchored" the while, and everything proved to be in thorough working order. A Star reporter gained admission to the tent this morning, when the complicated fixings appeared to be thoroughly taut and the engines freely oiled. Mr Stone was not present, but the man who guards the airship day and night pointed out the interesting features. The wings have a spread of exactly 30 feet, containing 160 square feet of canvas, and the tail stretches back a distance of over 20 feet. The steering elevators and rudder are freely worked by the wheel and levers near the steersman's seat, and altogether the effect produced is like that of a huge birdkite such as the school boys fly'in season. The light walnut propeller worked by the 50 horse-power engine does fog the monoplane what the guiding string does for the kitepropels it against the breeze. Engine and all, the machine in question weighs little more than 700 pounds. With a record of many flights in America and Australia, Mr Stone is likely to secure interest- j ing flights. | In view of inquiries which have j been made concerning the conditions of admission to the cricket ground on Saturday, it may be interesting to state thar holders of two shilling tickets have the right to enter the ground and make use of the grandstand, whereas holders of one shilling tickets will be admitted to the ground only. As all the space within the area set apart for cricket and football will be required for the purposes of the flight, the public will not be allowed inside the railing around the sports enclosue. The» airship will be got out by removing the front of the tent, and the flight will be essayed in full view of the spectators. As close inspection by a crowd of people is not conducive to the safety of such a machine, it is probable that the monoplane will subsequently be iun round the grounds on its pneumatic wheels for casual inspection. MINERAL WATERS BENEFICIAL TO HEALTH. Mineral waters in all ages have been recognised as beneficial to health. The ancient Romans regarded them, indeed, as the most precious gifts of the gods to mankind. In Europe to-day, a course of mineral water treatment is regarded as one of the best health cures for "run down" persons. New Zealand is fortunate in that it possesses Wai-Rongoa—a natural mineral water in the most perfect form. Wai-Rongoa is of remarkable purity (vide the New Zealand Medical Journal). Being delicately mineralised and charged with natural gas, it has a clean, crisp taste, exceedingly pleasant. Wai-Rongoa is a natural means of eliminating uric acid. In cases of rheumatism, kidney, liver and' stomach troubles, a glassful taken night and morning works 'Renders. Obtainable chemists, hotels, clubs.