Nine Hours Ahead

Manawatu Times, Volume 59, Issue 248, 24 October 1934, Page 7

Nine Hours Ahead

POSITION AT CHARLEVILLE Received Tuesday, 11 p.m. CHARLEVILLE, Oct. 23. Scott ’3 plane was overhauled by mechanics and it was found that the sticking of the exhaust valves on the port engine was causing the trouble. The defect was rectified and a test was made. Tho troublesome engine appeared to be running correctly and at 10.50 а. Scott climbed into the cockpit and taxied across the ’drome. He appeared to be making a good take-off, but halfway across, the motors woro slowed and the Comet came tp a stop. Scott climbed out and very carefully inspected the retractable undercarriage. Returning to the cockpit, ho took off perfectly and was out of sight in two minutes. Parmentier arrived at Charleville at б. p.m. and departed at 8 p.m. for Melbourne. Prior to his departure from Darwin, Parmentier said: “Scott Is a great sport. I like him very much and I wish him tho best of luck. I have no doubt he will make Melbourne and win the race. Fraulein Kasche, one of Parmentier’s passengers, red-cheeked and plump, talked freely in halting English throughout a meal. She said: “I claim I was the first woman pilot and sea flier in Germany after the war. I love flying, I cannot afford a plane, but I am taking this flight for compensation.” ' Dominique, another of the passengers, said: “I caino all the way from Rio de Janeiro. I am travelling oh this flight for fun and I am having it.” Interviewed at Darwin Scott said: “It was a struggle liko hell all the way from Singapore to get the machine through. When our port motor cut out wo wero punching tho ship grimly through blinding rain, just skimming tho sea to get whatever visibility there was, I thought it was all up with us, our. chances looked so hopeless. Black and I donned lifebelts and sat waiting for the crash we thought was inevit-

able. We did not dream that our starboard motor would hold under the terrible strain, but it behaved magnigicently. We actually gained a height of 3000 feet, preferring to fly blind rather than risk a divo into the sea.” When the airmen landed at Darwin the aeroplane was surrounded by a wildly excited crowd. The engino trouble was found to be less serious than was expected. The engine was soon repaired and Scott took tho air for Charleville. He passed Mount Isa at 4.20 a.m. Charleville’s Great Reception. Tumultuous cheering at Charleville greeted the appearance of No. 34, Scott and Black’s Comet, on tho skyline and increased steadily in volume as tho aeroplane mado a safo landing at 8.42 a.m., local time. After making a perfect landing Scott was helped from the aeroplane. Distinctly lame, his face bearded and badly sunburned above the eyes, he walked to the control tent where ho checked in. The Mayor congratulated the airmen on their success so far and wished them the best luck for tho remainder of tho flight. Ho mentioned that Scott was particularly well known and extremely popular in Charleville which he had visited regularly for years while he was a Qantas pilot. Charleville regarded him as her own competitor. A small girl from the crowd stepped forward to congratulate the airmen and wish them Godspeed for the remainder of the race. Hoarse and speaking with difficulty he managed to gasp that he had missed tho track by a little distance, but rectified the error and so landed safely. Scott added: “I think wo have a good lead on the Dutchmen and might be able to win in spito of our troubles.” Prior to his arrival Scott wirelessed asking for mechanics as tho engino was still giving trouble. After resting for a little while Scott seemed a great deal brighter and fresher. IVhen told that the Dutchmen had arrived at Darwin at the samo time as the Comet arrived at Charlevillo Scott and Black said: “We should win.” Scott remarked: “J. havo a feeling that our engine may pick up again between here and Melbourne.” Black smilingly responded: “I do not care if it cuts out when we get into the air. All I hope is that we can get enough power to get off the ground here.”