ZEPPELIN’S WORLD TOUR

Taranaki Daily News, 16 August 1929, Page 9

ZEPPELIN’S WORLD TOUR

SECOND STAGE OF VENTURE PREPARED FOR FORCED STOP AMERICAN’S VAIN CHASE By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received August 15, 8.42 p.m. Berlin, August 15. The Graf Zeppelin started from Friedrichshafen for Tokio at 4.30 a.m. to-day in continuation of its world tour. It left Lakehurst, New Jersey, on Thursday, intending to fly round the world in 14 days. The present stage is the most hazardous. The Zeppelin, which started in ideal circumstances, is now averaging 62 miles an hour. Two passengers, Mr. pierce, an American millionaire, and his wife, missed the airship, though they made a rush journey from New York and chartered an aeroplane in Europe in the hope of reaching Friedrichshafen in time. Aeroplane engine trouble, however, compelled a forced landing and the Pierces just saw the Zeppelin passing over Berlin.

In case the Zeppelin is stranded in Siberia, it is taking a store of Arctic provisions and guns to enable the passengers and crew to live under Arctic conditions. In this case Sir Hubert Wilkins, who again is a passenger, will take command and guide the party to safety. Indeed, Sir Hubert formulated plans to meet such a crisis. The plans were kept secret till the last moment, the Zeppelin company fearing a disclosure would arouse a fear that the Zeppelin was not expected to reach Tokio safely.