FEARFUL COST.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 237, 7 October 1930, Page 7

FEARFUL COST.

Disaster's Tolf in Precious Lives And Money. ! CHALLENGE TO DESIGN. LONDON, October 6. . F.ive years' work, at a cost of millions of pounds, have gone with the wreck of the RlOl, ibut the greatest loss is that of the best, airship brains in the world. It will be at least a"decade before England can-, hope to train other men of their standard.

...The "Times" says: Britain has lost not only y the latest product of science in airship' construction but a noble company of those who were repositories of technical skill and knowledge in this branch of aviation. They were engaged in no foolhardy venture. The fate of HlOl should not retard by one minute the development of aviation generally. The "Daily Herald" says: Not'since the Titanic disaster has a time of peace witnessed such an overwhelming catastrophe. Lord Thomson -gave himself to the task of making Britain airminded for the purpose of peace even more than for national defence. His faith was as un-bc mded ae his vision. The "Daily Express" says: Out of the ashes of the RlOl something greater must come if these lives are not to be called wasted. In one second the arguments of those who urge'the development of airships seem to be swept away. We appear to stand where we began. Every detail must be known. The inquiry must oover the issue whether the airship is a practical invention. The "Daily Telegraph" says searching questions will be asked.' Even if airships are vindicated the special design of the RlOl will be challenged more sharply than ever. Tie -"Morning Post," after recalling other airship disasters, says the latest was not surprising. It is unwise to iliazard so much life and treasure in_so perilous and coetly an enterprise, which promises so little achievement. The loss of such distinguished men is tragic, irreparable and heartrending, but it remains true that the British nation is in no position for such a costly gamble. This calamity may well serve as a decisive discouragement. m The Paris newspaper "Lβ Temps m a strongly svmpathetic article expresses the opinion that Britain, recognising the necessity of linkmg ■**> Empire in every way, is not likely to renounce airships, though, they are very costly to build and very -delicate to ihandle. The whole of France bows m fraternal respect for the latest victims of aerial duty. _ , " n t The late Lord .Thomson, Secretary o State for Air, who perished in 1 disaster, also his valet and all the officers, ihad.taken outispecial accident insurance policies for substantial .amounts. . It is. understood that the late. Sjr Sefton.Brancker, Director of Civil Aviation, and others took no special precau\h& airship, in common with all other Government property, was not-insured.