MAKING GOOD TIME

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 986, 31 May 1930, Page 9

MAKING GOOD TIME

GRAF ZEPPELIN HEADING FOR NEW JERSEY NO VISIT TO HAVANA Reed. 9.5 a.m. VANCOUVER, Friday. A message from Lakehurst, New Jersey, says the Graf Zeppelin will reach there on Saturday morning from Pernambuco. Dr. Eckener, the commander, advised that because of a shortage of fuel he will not call at Havana. The Zeppelin was sighted by the steamer Caomo at 9.30 this morning, 303 miles north of San Juan. She averaged 88 land miles an hour since leaving San Juan, because she was aided by following winds. A warning of bad storms off Tampa, Florida, has been issued by the Weather Bureau. TROPICAL HEAT Present reports indicate that the Graf Zeppelin is running swiftly toward the United States, averaging 73 nautical miles an hour in improving weather. The American Zeppelin representative, Mr. Von Meister, stated: “There was- terrific tropical heat at Pernambuco, which caused a great expansion of the fuel gas and lifting gas, and probably reduced the ability to take a full load, thereby forcing Dr. Eckener to miss Havana in.order to arrive at Lakehurst with the required fuel reserve.”

Naval officials asserted Jhat if he wishes, Dr. Eckener may make Lakehurst as early as 2 a.m. on Saturday, but he will probably cruise slowly near his goal in order to land in daylight.

Lakehurst is fully prepared. The commander’s son Knute is awaiting him to fly hack with the dirigible, which is expected to leave for Seville on Sunday evening.