THE FLYING MEN.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11927, 21 October 1919, Page 5

THE FLYING MEN.

United Press Association —B - Elec trie Telegraph—Copyright, London, Oct. 19. Poulet was forced to descend at Naples in a violent snowstorm, which frustrated two subsequent attempts to continue the flight. MATTHEWS’ FLIGHT. Received Oct. 21, 11 a.m. London, Oct. 20. Hawker, who intended to fly trom a neighbouring aerodrome to escort Matthews for a few miles, learned of the postponement by telephone. Hawker flew Mattnevvs’ machine in all the tests, and says the engine is even more perfect than the similar one"he used inlhis trans-Atlantic flight, and a pilot flying such a machine-jainst stand a good chance. Matthews, when asked whether he was confident that he would succeed replied “No, ” but he was hopeful. It was impossible 10 be confident in face of such a task, but he was satisfied that nobody could have a better machine for the attempt. He had just arrived from a farewell visit to Jus mother at Stranraer and said ‘ ‘I hope soon to reach my second homo in Adelaide.” Kay is disappointed at the postponement, because to-day is his birthday and he embarked in Australia for the front on his birthday. He never thought of undertaking the flight, but while awaiting repatriation he was approached by two Australian officers who had failed to secure an aeroplane, and thus got into touch with Matthews. Kay, who was an engine expert at Ballarat, considers that with Matthews’ knowledge of navigation, coupled with his own experience of engines, and both sharing the flying by means of dual controls, they have the best possible chance. The human factor is reliable, and the only unknown quantity is the engine’s powers of endurance under conditions of such a varying character that a preliminary test is impossible. London, Oct. 18.

Reports from the Continent state that owing to estensivefog areas it was decided that Matthews postpone his start. The prevailing fog in London and South England would not have deterred the pilot, hut he thought it unwise to risk the uncertainty of landing. He had planned to reach Cologne in the first stage, and intends to make moat of the first day’s flight by covering a substantial distance. He, therefore, decided at midday to wait until tomorrow. Matthews is determined •to start if the 9 o’clock Continental weather report is favourable. A crowd of friends'gathered at' the aerodrome at Hounslow, and Matthews and Kay submitted themselves to many photographs after they had completed the last details of packing rations of cocoa, chocolate, tinned stuffs,. and thermos basks. The machine was tuned to the moment, the mechanics putting on the finish ■ iug touches during the previous night. Every possible safeguard is provided including spare engine parts, also a spare propeller tucked ' inside the machine, which is loaded with weights of oOODlbs. The machine has the international registration sign in large black letters on its upper and lower wings. Experts fear that Poulet’s air-cooled engines may be a possible source of delay when flying in the tropics and express the opinion that Matthew’s water-cooled engine will give a greater chance, but it is generally considered that the difficulties are almost insurmountable within the allotted time.