FLIGHT OF GIANT AIRSHIP.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18583, 2 June 1930, Page 9

FLIGHT OF GIANT AIRSHIP.

Zeppelin At Lakehurst,

PASSENGERS ENJOY JOURNEY. (United Press Association—B7 Beotrla Tel egraph—Copy rlgh t.) (Received June 1, 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORK, May 31. A message from Lakehurst (New Jersey), states that the Graf Zeppelin accompanied by the dirigible Los Angeles, six aeroplanes and a blimp, arrived at 7.30 a.m. (New York standard time), and landed easily without the use of ropes at 7.35, 69hrs 12min after leaving Permambuco, with a total time in the air of 210 hours 57 minutes since leaving Friedrichshaven. Refuelling began quickly. The crowds which had been collecting since midnight, gave the Zeppelin a tremendous reception, as the dirigible berthed successfully in a hangar, on a movable mast.

Commander Eckener was looking rather weary, and was eager to smoke. He stated that the northward flight had been successful till he passed Bermuda, where a terrific wind was struck. "It was much worse for a little while, than the mighty wind that ripped the fin in the mid-Atlantic in 1928." He stated he was convinced that air traffic was not feasible below Pernambuco, for Zeppelins, but aeroplanes could work the territory. The passengers remarked upon the great comfort, and expressed satisfaction with the entire trip. The airship departs on Sunday night for Europe. Progress of the Flight. A Lakehurst report stated that the Graf Zeppelin will reach there on Saturday morning from Pernambuco. Dr Eckener advised that because of a shortage of fuel the airship would not call at Hanava. The airship passed San Juan on Friday morning. It was sighted 303 miles north of San Juan, having averaged 88 land miles an hour since leaving that town as a result of following winds. A warning of bad storms off Tampa, Florida, was issued by the Weather Bureau. Earlier reports indicated that the Graf Zeppelin was running swiftly towards the United States, averaging 73 nautical miles per hour, in improving* weather. The American Zeppelin representative (Captain Von Meister), stated: "Terrific tropical heat in Pernambuco, which caused great expansion of the fuel gas and lifting gas, probably reduced the vessel’s ability to take a full load, threby forcing Commander Eckener to miss Havana, in order to arrive at Lakehurst with some fuel reserve, complying with the requirements.”

Naval officials asserted if he wished Commander Eckener could have made Lakehurst as early as two o’clock on Saturday morning, but he will probably cruise slowly near the gaol, in order to land in daylight. Lakehurst is fully prepared. The Commander’s son, Knute, is awaiting to fly back with the dirigible, which is expected to leave for Seville on Sunday evening. At six o'clock on Friday evening (New York time), the airship was 400 miles south-east of South Carolina.

Sir Hubert and Lady Wilkins are flying by the airship to Germany.