BALLOON ASCENT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10035, 23 December 1910, Page 1

BALLOON ASCENT.

A SUCCESSFUL JOURNEY

Although the weather conditions were bv no means favourable, tho Beebe Balloon Company decided to again brave the elements at the Show Grounds yesterday afternoon, and a large crowd assembled to witness Mr Eastwood's ascent and parachute drop The wind was blowing strongly from tho sou'-westj and the task of filling tho balloon with hot air was rendered extremely difficult, despite the shelter provided by the grandstand. It was nearly five o'clock .when the huge bag was sufficiently inflated to rise, and it left the ground with Mr Eastwood, one of the aeronauts, hanging by his toes. Caught by the wind, the balloon rapidly drifted across the city, and was carried fairly high. "When a height of 2700 feet had been reached Mr Eastwood, who was then over Hagley Park, let /go, and descended under a parachute. He had two parachutes, •but tho wind was too tricky to risk the use of the second. Mr Eastwood, encumbered by the dead weight of the folded parachute, fell rapidly and struck the ground near Victoria Lake, sustaining the bumps that all aeronauts expect. The balloon drifted on, and was picked up in Shirley, having landed _in a paddock nest to that in which it came down on its first flight. Owing to being wet, it did not turn and emit the gas as quickly as usual. On Boxing Day the Pioneer Amateur Bicycle and Athletic Club will have the aeronauts at Lancaster Park, where an ascent will be made from the greVn, and cho. members, of the company will perform varied feats.