24 JULY 1909, Page 3

Early on Monday morning Mr. H. Latham started from Sangatte

in his monoplane in an attempt to fly across the Channel. The French destroyer Harpon ' steamed ahead in order to render help if necessary. When the monoplane had flown about seven miles towards Dover the engine stopped, and Mr. Latham glided from a considerable height to the sea. The machine took the water without a very violent shock and there floated. Mr. Latham was soon rescued by the crew of the Harpon,' who found him waiting calmly and smoking a cigarette. The monoplane was slightly injured by the waves. This trial trip makes it a certainty that the Channel will be crossed before long.