IN THE AIR.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16614, 9 December 1919, Page 3

IN THE AIR.

RECENT MESSAGES. FROM CAPTAIN ROSE-SMITH. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. SYDNEYD, Deo. 8. A cable received by the Sun from Captain Ross Smith, dated Singapore tho oth, says:—‘T am working on tho machine preparing for the last stage. 1 have discarded most of our kit and some spares, taking only necessaries. Practically the whole population have visited tho machine.” Cabling on the 6th, early in the morning, he says: “We saw the Southern Cross, and regarded it as a goon omen. Wo loft at seven, a. large crowd seeing us off from tho small racecourse. The machine lifted splendidly, and, after circling, the city, we proceeded south along the coast of Sumatra. The country was all dense jungle, and tho passage was very bumpy, and some rain fell as we passed over tho Thousand Isles to Tanjong. Thence we passed Batavia, and arrived at Kiiidgate at four o’clock. We had. an entiuisinstio welcome, and a reception by the Gov-ernor-General. Flying officers presented laurel wreaths to us. We hope to reach Sourabaya to-morrow.” Captain Ross Smith cables from Sourabaya on the 7th: “We left Kalabajat at 7.30, and arrived at Sourabaya at noon after an uneventful and good trip. The aerodrome is on now reclaimed land, and very soft. After landing the machine sank to the axles, and we had great difficulty in getting it out, and then we got bogged again. Eventually we had to build a bamboo road for the machine, with 200 coolies employed. It took seven hours to push the Vimy five hundred yards. “We are all right now, and in the morning we will build a road of bamboo mats for taking off. The greatest assistance was given by Dutch officers and local officials, including tho British Commissioner, Mr. Da’ton. Wo hope to reach Bimbo in the island of Sumbawn, on the Bth, Atamhooa, Timor on the 9th, and Darwin on tho 10th. Wo will then take a few days’ rest. The crew are all well, but very tired, especially tho mechanics, who ■work wonderfully well, sometimes all night. The Vimy is going beautifully.” —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ROSS-SMITH IN DIFFICULTIES NO NEWS AT PRESENT. (Received Dec. 9. 10.0 a.m.) WELTVREDEN, Deo. 8. Ross-Smith ascended after tiresome efforts at 11.55. Ho find much troi.b’.o in making a start. From Sourabaya ho flew very low and, after following a westerly course, turned eastward. The public is fearing his machine may have fallen into tho sea. The eastern islands are not connected by telegraph, so that no further news will be available until his arrival in Australia or until destroyers can send radio messages.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. CAPTAIN WILKINS IN ITALY. LONDON, Deo. 4. Captain “Wilkins arrived at Taranto on Wednesday.—Reuter Service. [Captain Wilkins, who _is flying a Blackburn Kangaroo machine, left London on November 21.] POULET LEAVES RANGOON. (Received Doc. 9, 12.20 p.m.) RANGOON, Dec. 8, Poulet has left for Bangkok. His engines appeared to be working well and he is confident that he will reach Australia-.