NEW ZEALAND AIRSHIPS.

Bush Advocate, Volume XXI, Issue 300, 23 June 1909, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND AIRSHIPS.

■ ♦ — A CHRISTCHURCH AEROPLANE. CHRISTCHURCH, Sunday. I For the past 40 years Mr Oswald Coates, of this' city, lias been studying the subject of aeroplanes, and he has now constructed the model of a machine which, he intends to offer to the British Government. He wiil leave for London in a few days, in order to placo his proposals .before the authorities. Speaking to a Lyttelton Times reporter, Mr Coates said the plans he had prepared many years ago were far in advanco of anything at the time. He had let the matter drag, but recently it had been again brought up, partly on account of the fact that engines sufficiently light for the purpose could bo obtained. Not long ago, he had seen a cinematograph picture of Mr Wilbur Wright's machine, whicli induced him "to go on with his project. His machine, with the same beam — 10ft — as Wright Bros:' : would have a lifting surface of 1620 ft., against their lifting surface of 500 ft. On account, of more engine power he could de\ r elop a high rate of speed, which would increase his lifting power. If it was not for the danger of using the machines in the dark, anjl for the obvious inecessity of rest* for tho man in charge, [ his machine would continue its flight for several days. • He calculated ( that including frame, engines, and ' operator, and a full day's supply of fuel it would weigh under 20001 b. He has had between 30 and 40 very successful gliding trials in his garden. The model is 4ft long and 3ft broad. Mr Coates has endeavored to obtain a ' motor for his machine, but was unable. to -get one light enough, either in New Zealand or in Australia. He is so well satisfied with the trials he has had that he intends to construct a full-sized machine immediately on his arrival in England. After putting it. through the necessary test he will submit it to tlie j authorities of tho War Office. He i has unbounded confidence in his- in- i vention. . i