IN THE AIR.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16462, 14 June 1919, Page 3

IN THE AIR.

FLYERS READY ,TO START. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. (Received June 14, 10.6 a.m.) ST) JOHN’S (Newfoundland), June 13. The Vickprs-Vimy airmen expect to make an immediate start for Ireland. The Handley-Pago machine is also ready.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. RECKLESS AUSTRALIAN SCHEME. DEFERRED TILL SEPTEMBER. LONDON, June 12. Anxiety among the crew of the Kangaroo to start for Australia immediately revealed the utter lack of proper arrangements for attempting .to win the £IO,OOO pi'ize. When Rendel Smith and Maddocks entered, the_ authorities of the Aero Club and the Air Ministry pointed out that the route had not been surveyed, that there were no supplies of petrol, which would be difficult to get owinjj to the monsoons; and that it was impossible to provide any help east of Delhi; also that the war was still on. France and Italy did not welcome promiscuous flying, and there was even a chance of having to face anti-aircraft guns on the Continent. The Kangaroo’s crew replied that they were willing to- chance it, and the matter was then referred to Mr. Hugly's, who held a conference to-day at which Mr. Pearce, Colonel Williams, Commander Perrin (of the Aero Club), -and Colonel Buckley w r ere present. The conference fully discussed the organisation for the flight, and decided that as present arrangements, were such as did not afford a reasonable hope of success, the flight must be postponed until September 8. Mr. Hughes, interviewed, summed up the decisions of the conference thus:—Firstly, the Aero Club is to be the judge whether the conditions are complied with. Secondly, all machines entering must have a flying radius of 500 miles. Thirdly, machines must carry a competent navigator. Fourthly, machines must carry- spare parts necessary-. Fifthly-, prior to the flight the Aero Club should be satisfied that there are properly marked landing places and petrol available throughout the .route. Sixthly, in order that competitors should not be financially prejudiced by- the delay, the Government would enrol them in ’the Australian Flying Corps. The Australian.- Government will also afford competitors facilities for attending the navigation course which the Air Ministry is arranging. Any other competitors w-hose machines the Aero Club consider airworthy will be entitled to similar privileges.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.