TRAGIC END OF TASMAN FLIGHT

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 3479, 15 October 1926, Page 7

TRAGIC END OF TASMAN FLIGHT

Robertson Exposed as Sank imposter

LEAPS FROM FOURTH STOREY WINDOW

[By Electric Cable —Copyright.] [Aust. and N.Z. Cable —sedation.] (Received Thursday, 8.15 p .re,.) SYDNEY, Oct. 14. Robert Robertson, who arrived here frpm Auckland to arrange a flighf from Sydney to New Zealand, fell from the fourth floor window at the Aero Club’s building in the city today, landing on a verandah roof. Ho was carried through a window on the first floor, and admitted to hospital in a serious condition. Mystery surrounds the accident. When he arrived in the Ulimaroa. he said he was going to make a flight from La Perouse to New Zealand. He also said ho was suffering from a ncrvous breakdown, and would take a couple of weeks holiday. To-day, Robertson called at the offices of the Aero Club, but apparently -transacted no business. His presence on the premises was first known by the crash of his falling body. EXPOSED IMPOSTER ATTEMPTS SUICIDE. (Received Friday, 12.50 a.m.) SYDNEY. Oct. 14. Captain Hughes. President of the New South Wales Aero Club, states that Robertson called on him to discuss the flight scheme. Robertson was closely questioned by Hughes, who came to the conclusion that, many of, Robertson’s statements would not bear verification.

Hughes, in the presence of witnesses. told him that ho was an imposter, and that to safeguard the interests of aviation, ho would get in touch with the police. Robertson then leapt out of the window of Hughes’s office, struck the top of the oriel window of the third floor, rebounded and crashed on to the awning level with the first floor. When they wore discussing the details, Hughes found the whole proposal vague, and Robertson was then iiuostionod regarding statements which had appeared in New Zealand newspapers, to the effect that the Aero Club of Australia was providing him with a machine. Robertson denied making such statements. After being closely questioned, Robertson admitted that ho had never boon in the Flying Corps, and then, as Hughes turned to telephone the police, Robertson jumped through the window.