Circling the World

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 987, 2 June 1930, Page 11

Circling the World

“SMITHY” TO CROSS ATLANTIC

Southern Cross Overhauled

TAKE-OFF FROM IRELAND END JUNE

SQUADRON-LEADER KIXGSFORD SMITH has decided to take off from Ireland at the end of this month on a flight across the Atlantic in the monoplane Southern Cross, in which lie flew from Australia to New Zealand. When he reaches San Francisco he will have encircled the world by air.

United, P.A.—By Telegraph—Copyright Reccl. 9.5 a.m. LONDON, Sunday. Squadron-Leader Kingsford Smith arrived at Croydon airdrome from Holland, en route to Ireland. From there he will begin his transatlantic flight in the Southern Cross. Interviewed after his arrival, Kingsford Smith said he was convinced the “dear old bus, Southern Cross,” would not let him down. The monoplane was better than ever, he said. There were two Britishers, one Dutchman and one Irishman aboard, and all were splendid fellows. He would take-off from Ireland, when the weather was suitable. He estimated 35 hours of flying, and so he will have three hours’ reserve. “Smithy” intends flying from America to Australia in time for his marriage in September. He added: “That will be my greatest and best venture.” Kingsford Smith hopes to take-off at the end of June. His destination is the Roosevelt Field, New York. He will then fly to San Francisco, where upon arrival he will have completed the world circuit. ZEPPELIN TIED UP ARRIVAL AT LAKEHURST ALOFT' FOR EIGHT DAYS NEW YORK, Saturday. The Graf Zeppelin, escorted by the dirigible Los Angeles, six airplanes and a Blimp, arrived at Lakehurst, New Jersey, at 7.30 a.in.. New York standard time, today. She landed easily without, use of ropes (>9 hours 12 minutes after she left Pernambuco,

Brazil. The total flying time from Friedrichshafen was S days 18 hours 57 minutes. The process of refuelling was begun quickly. Crowds of people who had been gathering since midnight gave the travellers a tremendous reception as the dirigible was berthed in her hangar on a movable mast. The commander, Dr. Eckener, looking rather weary and eager for a smoke, said the northward flight was successful until they passed Bermuda, where a terrific wind struck the,airship. It was much worse for a little while than the mighty wind which ripped her fin in the mid-Atlantic in 1928.

Dr. Eckener said commercial air traffic is not feasible below Pernambuco for Zeppelins, but airplanes can work that territory. The passengers remarked upon the great comfort they enjoyed and their satisfaction with the entire trip. The Graf Zeppelin will leave on her return trip tomorrow evening. She did not call at Havana owing to a shortage of fuel.