COLONEL FITZMAURICE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21793, 7 May 1934, Page 9

COLONEL FITZMAURICE

INTENTION TO COMPETE COMPLIMENTARY LUNCHEON LONDON, Hay 2 " I am proud," said Colonel Fitzmaurice, afc a complimentary luncheon at the Savoy Hotel, "to represent Ireland in tho greatest international race in history." He was referring to the Melbourne Centenary race. Mr. J. W. Dulanty, Free State High Commissioner, gave the luncheon. Colonel Fitzmaurice's backer, Mr. McGrath, who controls Irish sweepstakes, said that if Colonel Fitzmaurice won in a British machine he would give the prize-money to British charities. If he won in a foreign aeroplane, he would halve the prize between British and foreign charities. Mr. Gogarty, a member of the Senate, said Colonel Fitzmaurice's victory would put Ireland where the Governments had not put it, namely, on the map. He considered Sir Charles Kingsford Smith the world's greatest aerial navigator, though he added jestingly he had saved General O'Duffy.'s life by pointing out to him the danger of standing too close to Sir Charles' spinning propeller. Colonel Fitzmaurice said he would visit America early in May to inspect American aeroplanes. He was afraid it would be difficult to obtain his requirements in Britain, although he wished he could, as he was proud to be a Briton, but winning the race was the only consideration. He was seeking a. single-engined, low-wing monoplane with a cruising speed of 230 miles an hour and a range of 3000 miles.