A BALLOONIST'S FLIGHT.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXIV, Issue 12750, 22 April 1909, Page 3

A BALLOONIST'S FLIGHT.

Captain Penfold made a daring ba'loon •scent and parachute descent at Clontarf, bydney, a few days ago. The balloon was tiled without any hitch occurring in the procedure, and at about five^'clock the intrepid aeronaut gave the signal to his attendants to "Let her go." The balloon shot skywards, and drifted in the direction •A « lty ' PP 4*BB^4 * 88^ ov «r Middle Harbour, with Captain. Penfold swinging- on the I small trapeze. When about Mfflt" from the l^ gronna he. freed a number of small parachutes, containing coupons, and a section ot the crowd scrambled for these, while the remainder rushed toward the beach. me bailooon had reached a considerable height, when Captain Penfold loosed the jarge parachute, .and came safely to earth, ir°ii? ff £ n some trees on th « fc^ «de of Middle, Jßarbour, close to the Spit Road tram hpe. Z After floating citywards for about a quarter of an hour, the balloon turned^ and sank into the harbour close to *ort Demson, whence it was towed into -Lavender Bay. Interviewed after the de, scent, Captain Penfold said that the strong north-easter which was blowing led him to the conclusion that he would cross Middle Harbour. He also wished to be the first aeronaut to cross the harbour. At about 6000 ft from the ground- he was half-way across Middle Harbour. From his lotty perch he. obtained a splendid panoramic view, and r ould see holiday-makers at the seaside for miles around running and gazing up at him. He dropped 200 ft before the parachnte opened, and experienced a few anxious seconds. His descent was at the rate of 10ft. or 12ft. a second t * |J\ I »anip"lated the parachute so as to fall .between the trees.