INTREPID GIRL

Southland Times, Issue 21089, 22 May 1930, Page 5

INTREPID GIRL

FLIGHT TO AUSTRALIA MISS JOHNSON NOT GOING TO QUIT PROPELLER UNSATISFACTORY (United Press Assn.—By Telegraph—Copyright) London, May 20. The Sourabaya correspondent of the Daily Express states that when reminded that she looked tired Mise Amy Johnson said: “I shall go on to the bitter end. I am tired, ever so tired, but I am not going to quit now.” She explained that the propeller was unsatisfactory, but she found a Moth owner at Sourabaya who was willing to lend her a propeller. The old one could be left behind.

“We will see what happens to the new one,” she said. “The engine is rather tired and is losing compression as well, and •must be repaired before the last, water hop to Darwin.” The narrative of Miss Johnson’s flight on Monday is stirring. In a tempest over the Sumatra jungle she buriiped to within a few feet of the tree tops and was ready to jump with her parachute at any moment. Then while crossing the Java Sea a monsoon compelled her to fly almost at the water level. She said: “At times I could not distinguish the waves from sheets of rain, and I was terrified by the sharks waiting for me to fall.” A message from Weltevreden states that great interest was shown in Mise Johnson’s arrival at Sourabaya, and many ladies were present. She said she had an emotionless flight from Saramang. The engine had functioned irregularly, which she ascribed to a leakage in the petrol pipe. After a few hours’ rest at the hotel she returned to the-flying camp for the purpose of fully preparing the machine for the continuation of the flight to-morrow morning, when she will probably fly to. Atamboea, although she may possibly proceed only to Bimba. DEFECT IN MAGNETO MISS JOHNSON DELAYED. KEEN DISAPPOINTMENT FELT. (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) Weltevreden, May 21. Miss Johnson will not start from Sourabaya to-day owing to a defect in the magneto. The staff of the Royal Air Force Company during the night, overhauled Miss Johnson’s plane,, but the magneto trouble was qpt overcome sufficiently to enable the flight to be resumed. When informed of her .bad luck Miss Johnson was keenly disappointed. Meanwhile, Mr de Bruyn, at Djocjacarta, who possesses a Moth plane and has already sent a reserve propeller 'to Sourabaya, arranged to despatch a new magneto, which will arrive here this afternoon too late for Miss Johnson to leave to-day. Her departure has now been provisionally fixed for to-morrow morning. PLANE READY FOR TRIAL. (Rec. 9.30 p.m.) Sourabaya, May 21. Repairs to the magneto of Miss Johnson’s plane have progressed so far that the plane will be given a trial run this afternoon. If successful the departure of Miss Johnson to-morrow morning is assured.