BIG AIR RACE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 210, 17 June 1933, Page 5

BIG AIR RACE.

ENGLAND TO AUSTRALIA.

PRIZE MONEY INCREASED

(United Press Association—Copyright)

LONDON, June 16.

The "Daily Express" understands that since Sir Maephersonjftobertson's Melbourne offer for the "England' to Australia flight, others have made.supplementary offers, so that at least £15,000 is available for prizes.

Sir Maepherson Robertson in March offered £IO,OOO for an air race from England to* Australia in connection with the centenary of Melbourne. Later he offered to increase the prize monev to £15,000, suggesting that the first prize of £IO,OOO, be awarded to the competitor who wins, together with a gold cup. He also suggested that £lsoo' be awarded for the second piie and. £SOO for third. A prize of £2OO was suggested for the most meritorious flight, having regard to the power and size of the craft. There are other minor prizes, and also a special gold, medal for every pilot completing the course. The committee in charge of the arrangements lias decided that all competing 'planes should clock in at. the following key positions after leaving Britain, namely Baghdad, Calcutta, Singapore, (Darwin Charleville and Melbourne.

The race has aroused considerable interest in aviation circles in Australia. It is described as the best news civil aviation has received since the Commonwealth Government's prize for the pioneering flight from England to Australia won by Sir Ross and Sir Keith Smith in 1919.