THE FLYING MEN.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11930, 28 October 1919, Page 6

THE FLYING MEN.

DEPARTURE DESCRIBED, United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—'Copyright. London, Oct. 22. Mr H. G. Hawker, in an interview, said that Captain Matthews should be all right as far as Singapore. After that the difficulties would be great, and would constitute the real test. With a little luck he did not see why the trip should not be accomplished. Captain Matthews and Sergeant Kay started in the presence of many Australians. British flying officers cheered as the Sopwith machine rose. The party included Mr H. G. Hawker, who arrived in a Sopwith tnplane at the last moment. Captain Matthews arrived at 8. 30 a. m., and the mechanics were already tuning up the machine, which ran splendidly. The fog lifted at 11 a.m., and Captain Matthews and Sergeant Say donned their feather furlined kit, looking ready for an Arctic expedition. The crowd meanwhile was anxiously watching the Continental weather reports, and the board showing the day’s departures, on which the following was posted: ‘‘Machine, Sopwith: destination, Australia; time, when fog clears.'’ Captain Matthews, interviewed before setting out, said : “I hope to i win the £IO,OOO prize, but that is not the only incentive. lam anxious to demonstrate the splendid quality of the machine. The prize is big, but it must be remembered that the machine cost £BOOO. If it be humanly possible we are goingto win. We have been working on the plans of the'flight for five months, and are satisfied with the results. We are not carrying a wireless Installation, owning to its limited range. Moreover, lam not a wireless expert. We will rely on luck to get over the sea sections and we are carriying a high velocity magazine rifle and a Mauser pistol in case of forced landing among hostile natives. ”