FOR SCHNEIDER CUP.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 258, 31 October 1929, Page 7

FOR SCHNEIDER CUP.

Britain To Retire On Laurels Won.

PRIVATE ENTERPRISE NOW. (British Official Wireless.)

i (Received 12.30 p.m.) RUGBY, October 30. The Air Ministry announces that the British Government will not enter in future for the Schneider trophy international race for seaplanes. It is explained that two main considerations have influenced this decision. Firstly, owing to Government participation in recent years, the contest has assumed a character not in accordance with the intentions of M. Schneider, its originator, and the donor of the trophy; secondly* although the entry of the Royal Air Force team was calculated to give a much needed impetus to the development of high speed aircraft and did so, notably in the two latest contests, sufficient data have now been collected for practical development in this direction, and the large expenditure of public money involved by Government participation, is therefore no longer justifiable. This decision should not, of course, effect the entry of British machines in future contests'. Convincing proof has now been furnished of what the British aircraft industry can do, and the wide public interest "displayed should make it possible for British pilots and machines to compete in what is intended to be a sporting, international event on the basis of private enterprise.