AIRSHIP DISASTER.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume XXI, 18 April 1922, Page 5

AIRSHIP DISASTER.

INQUEST ON THE BODIES.

Per Press Association —Copyright. London, April 15. At the inquest on the air crash vic tims, Sir Keith Smith testified that it wag the first time his brother had flown an amphibian machine. , Mr Muller, superintendent at Brooklands, said the machine was similar to those supplied to the British, Canadian, Japanese and Dutch Governments. It was in complete flykig trim. There was no defect anywhere. The controlling parts were absolutely intact after Ithe accident. It was a good day for flying. Captain Cockerall gave evidence that the machine was not examined when he and Sir Ross descended from the preliminary running. Sir Ross merely replaced Captain Cockerall at the controls. He testified that he had seen that the construction of the machine was made throughout perfect in every respect. Sir Ross understood his demonstrations during the test flight perfectly. The fact that it was an amphibian machine made no difference to flying. Sir Ross while in the air suggested that they should land, and he would be given control. Witness was convinced that nothing was wrong with the engine. He thought Sir Ross in the first attempt failed to stop the fatal spin. He succeeded in the second attempt, but then was too near the ground, the ffiacine travelling at 100 miles per hour.

BODIES EMBALMED. , . I London, April 17. Though the bodies of Sir Ross Smith and LLieutenant Bennett were embalmed, with a view to shipping to Australia, Sir Keith Smith is undecided whether to bury (them in England or Australia.

I TIMES’ EULOGY. London, April 15. The Times states that after the accident, Sir Keith Smith said: “Oh, Ross, old chum, why didn’t I come with you. Speak to me.” The Times, in a tribute to the dead airman, says Sir Ross Smith, a great hero of adventure, is now called to rejoin the men of his old troop at Gallipoli. “Let us think of his great soul soaring onward through the heights that confessed him conqueror, away from the envious earth that dragged him down. He saw afar, and realised that the hazardous paths he followed must one day be the highest in a new age of Imperial unity. In that faith, with his brave, companion, he takes his place m the advanced guard of human pro gress.” ’

loved by all. T . Sydney, April 17. Lieutenant Shiers, interviewed said h e was unable to express his feelings at the way Sir Ross Smith went out He was loved by all on the h’storie flight from England. He was a great man, always full of confid ence, no matter how hopeless th e situation, ready with “cheerio” a I ways. He put new hdart in the party

royal condolence. * . London, April 16. oir Keith Smith received the following telegram from the King’s pri--vate secretary, Windsor Castle:— ‘The King and Queen were shocked to hear of the terrible accident m which your brother, Sir Ross and Lieutenant Bennett lest their lives, as they were preparing to embark on yet another daring exploit. Their Majesties feel that by their death the Empire has lost two of her foremost pioneers in flight. I am desired to assure you of their heartfelt sympathy in your sorrow.” . ■

VICE-REGAL SYMPATHY. Sydney, April 17. The Governor-General sent messages of condolence to the parents of Sir Ross Smith and Lieutenant Bennett. PIONEER MACHINE IN SYDNEY. Sydney, April 17. Particularly since the news of his deeath, the Vickers-Vimy machine, in which Sir Ross Smith made his historic flight to Australia, being exhibited in the agricultural show is the centre of attraction. It is now decked in mourning. The machine- will be sent to Melbourne, where it will be placed permanently in the ‘Australian War Museum.