The Murrumburrah Signal - Monday July 20^th 1914

The Big Flight

M. Gulliaux at Harden

"Did you see the aeroplane?" Was the question on everybodys lips on Thursday, shortly after M. Gulliaux had reached town and landed on the racecourse. No one expected his arrival at that town, and those who were out at doors had their attention attracted by an unusual humming, which came from the machine as it approached town from the direction of Demondrille. The line of flight was directly over Murrumburrah and Harden railway stations at a height of 3,000 feet. He missed the town and passed onto Cunningcar, and circling round he landed on the racecourse. His arrival caused a great sensation in town, business being almost entirely suspended, and everyone who could do so went over to see the wonderful machine. The aviator stayed the night at Carrington Hotel, his machine being left in the straight on the racecourse. M. Galliaux left Melbourne at seven minuets past nine on Thursday morning, carrying with him a quantity of mail matter, including 1,700 postcards, which were purchased at 2s, each, and which will be delivered to the General Post Office in Sydney. The distance from Melbourne to Sydney is 580 miles, and he made stops at Seymour at 10am, where he stayed 15 minutes; at Wangaratta at 11.40, departing at 12.15; Albury at 12.30, his time from Melbourne at that place being 2 hours.15 minutes. After a stay at Albury of 15 minutes he left for Wagga, arriving there at 2.45 pm. He left Wagga at 3.30, and arrived at Harden at 4.25pm.

The flight throughout was very successful and devoid of incident, but the aviator found the atmosphere bitterly cold. He received a great ovation at each place where he stopped, and great interest was envinced in the exhibition, which was given of Friday. Visitors came from Young, Cootamundra, and all parts. Business in Murrumburrah and Harden was entirely suspended all employers giving their hands a couple of hours off. Steady rain commenced to fall shortly after 9am, but in spite of this about 1,000 people went to the racecourse, and stood in the rain for half an hour waiting for the aviator to complete his preparations. Meanwhile they had ample opportunity to examine the wonderful construction the Bleriot monoplane, which is capable of carrying a man through the air at the rate of 132 miles an hour. About 10.30 the machine was wheeled out on to the course, and M. Gulliaux, who had been standing by, smiled good-humouredly whilst the crowd examined his machine, stepped into the seat of the aeroplane. He was clad in a stout leather jacket, leather gloves, and white cap and muffler, while the French colours were attached to the car. The crowd were then made to stand clear, and after giving the engine a short run the aviator started the machine. After running about 100 yards it rose gracefully and sailed away over Harden, wheeling round over the heads of the spectators and over the grandstand, ascending to the height of about 100 yards as gracefully and as majestically as an eagle. He then slowed his engine down and turned the machine on its side, the wings being perpendicular. After another circle he again ascended and swooped down with a beautiful curve right over the heads of the spectators, rising sharply. He next wheeled round and round, as does an eagle when ascending, turning the machine with wonderful dexterity. Wider and wider grew this circle till at a height of 3,000 feet he wheeled over Murrumburrah; and with a long sweeping curve landed as lightly as a bird on the spot from whence he started. He was greeted with enthusiastic cheers as he landed. M. Gulliaux stated that when at a height of 3,000 feet he could not see the crowd on the racecourse, but could see the sun shining above the clouds. Everyone present was delighted with the exhibition, and considered it well worthwhile being wet through to see it. The local arrangements were carried out by Mr W. Worner.