CONQUEST OF THE AIR.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume XXIV, 7 May 1928, Page 3

CONQUEST OF THE AIR.

WESTWARD TRANS-ATLANTIC FLIGHT. (Per Press Association— Copyright.) LONDON, April 4. Lord Courtney has decided to maav a westward trans-Atlantic attempt to New York this month, from Plymouth. The machine will be an all-metal flying boat, German designed, with twin British Dornier-Napier engines, totalling 1000 horse power. It was constructed in Italy, where it is at present being tested. PLANE RESEMBLING BIRD. NEW YORK, May 4. Leonard Bonney, who spent six months studying the common seagull, and thereafter built an aeroplane as nearly’ as possible like the bird, to-day gave his life for his ideal. His machine differed in almost every way from the accepted aeroplane theory. It was birdlike in appearance, with pinio ..,. in the place of wings. It was openly predicted the invention would never fly, but Bonney tried it at Curtiss Field to-day. He raised the 'plane from the ground, and flew at a terrific speed for half a mile. Then, as he waved his hand derisively at the onlookers, the odd-looking craft no.-.h dived straight down to the ground. The 'plane was completely smashed, and Bonney was killed. SEVERAL CASUALTIES. VANCOUVER, May 5. A message from Brantford (Ontario, states that John Rosencrans and James Latey, of Buffalo, United States, were ins'.antly killed when a biplane plunged into Lake Erie. A terrific explosion reduced the 'plane to matchwood. TOI\IO, May 5. The first Japanese-built passenger aeroplane crashed on its trial trip, killing eight passengers • WASHINGTON, May 5. Mr Curtis D. Wilbur (Secretary o< the Navy) has appointed a Special Investigating Board, in an effort to reduce naval air accidents, 182 of which have occurred during the past nine months at a loss of 27 lives. BERLIN, May 4. Captain Wikins and Lieutenant Eilson sent a message from King's Bay. accepting an invitation to visit Berlin. VANCOUVER, May 5. An aerial Derby for Canadian airmen only is being planned from Winasor (Ontario) to San Francisco, in September, for prizes totalling 10,000 dollars.