WORLD FLIGHTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19182, 27 May 1924, Page 8

WORLD FLIGHTS

AMERICANS HONOURED AT TOKIO. WORST STAGE ACCOMPLISHED. Frew Aasooiation—By Telegraph—Copyright. TOKIO, May 25. There was a brilliant gathering at a luncheon given by the Minister of War la honour of the American airmen. The speakers eulogised the eourago and endurance of the airmen in bridging the Pacific. It was an achievement which would stimulate aeronautic enterprise, and strengthen the ties between Japan and America. The future plans of the American airmen are uncertain until the new motors have been tested. Pilot Smith, in an interview, said they had accomplished the trans-Pacific "leg," which would bo the worst part of the flight, and it had proved ten times worse than their expectations, owing to an unceasing battle against the most terrible weather. Ho said he did not believe the Northern Pacifro route practicable for commercial purposes with the present type of machines, though they had acted splendidly. They saw no icebergs, but they passed over many large glaciers. When lying off Behring Island, the Russian authorities informed them that they would ?iot be allowed to land, and they must eavp Russia's territorial waters, presumably because Russia and America had no treaty relations. He replied that they were not there for pleasure, and that they would be mighty glad to leave as coon as possible. Pilot Smith said he anticipated that the rest of the trip would be comparatively easy work.—Renter; MACLAREN'S ACCIDENT. AMERICANS OFFER, ASSISTANCE. LONDON, May 25. A report from Rangoon states that the back of Squadron-leader Maclaren's machine was broken, and no further progress will be possible without a new aeroplane.—The Times. TOKIO, May 25. Commander Abbott, cf the American Destroyer Division, who is assisting tho American flyers, offered the use of a destroyer to take a new machine to Capiain Maclaren. The American flyers express sorrow for Captain Maclaren's smash, as uhey had looked forward to good competition throughout the cntiro trip. —Sydney Sun Cable. LIEUTENANT D'OISY. TOKIO, May 25. (Received May 26, at 9 p.m.) Lieutenant D'Oisy has postponed his departure from Shanghai till Monday. The nerw machine is the same make as the" old one. It is only 300 horse-power. -Sydney Sun Cable.