BUYING U.S. MACHINE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20285, 20 April 1934, Page 1

BUYING U.S. MACHINE.

Sir Charles Kingsford Smith Changes Mind. United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. MELBOURNE, April 19. Sir Charles Kingsford Smith has cancelled his order for a de Havilland Comet aeroplane for the Melbourne centenary air race. He has decided to purchase an American Lockheed-Altair, which has a cruising speed greater than 200 miles an hour. MAY BE 30 COMPETITORS. LONDON, April 12. Though the extent of American participation in the air race is uncertain. “Whirlwind” Wright Company’s ieported intention to place teams of mechanics at the checking points to assist competitors using “Whirlwind” Wright engines indicates that it may be large. Potential British competitors are reticent becsfcise they do not desire their rivals to know their plans, but the “ open ” field will probably be at least thirty. American machines will probably exceed the British in horse-power and range, and may lead to Karachi, whereafter it would not be surprising if they lost ground owing to mechanical troubles. There may be some protest against American machines on the question of airworthiness as prescribed by the international convention to which the United States is not a signatory. A CENTENARY POEM? LONDON, April 12. The Poet Laureate (Mr John Masefield) tells the “ Sun ” that he will be surprised if his Australian visit dees not inspire him to new* writing. He may produce something directly about the Melbourne Centenary. He fears that his time will not suffice to visit all the States. He would like to spend a long time there. Acceptance of the in yitation, so far, is provisional, but he is hopeful of being able to go. GERMAN ACE TO ENTER. LONDON, April IS. A study of air developments in ten European countries has resulted in Herr Ernst Udet, the German war ace proposing to enter the Melbourne centenary air race if he can find a suitable machine. He is the idol of Berlin and is still a most daring aviator. He is comparatively wealthy.