AIR SERVICES.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19461, 7 November 1928, Page 11

AIR SERVICES.

USE OF DIRIGIBLES.

NO IMMEDIATE PROSPECTS.

(TTHITED PBESS ASSOCIATIOS BY ELECTRIC tZLEGKAPB —COPTEIOHT.)

LONDON, November 5

"There is little likelihood of a regular airship service to Australia within six years," stated Commander Burney in an interview. He was emphatic that airships would not be of commercial value till they had achieved a cruising speed of 100 mileß an hour and an ability to face all weather.

"People expect too much in a short time from airships," he said "The difficulties must be faced. To-day we are experimenting and to-morrow we are achieving. The Graf Zeppelin did what I thought it would. It was an interesting experiment. If RIOO realises the laboratory experiments, then it may be that art airship will be built for a hundred passengers with forty of a crew and fourteen engines; but Ido not see any possibility of anyone constructing S'ich an airship within two vears; it is more likelv to be three. Then, a comfortable flight to Australia may be possible in 1931. but it will be nt least five or six years before there is a regular ■ service."—Australian Press Association.

THE GRAF ZEPPELIN.

CREW WELCOMED TO BERLIN,

BERLIN, November 5.

After a night flight, the Graf Zeppelin landed at the Staaken aerodrome, where many war-time Zeppelihs were built. The impatient crowds burst through the fencing and swarmed on to the ground The police had to use knuckle-dusters to restore order.

Hundreds of thousands rapturously receptioned the crew, who drove in triumph to President von Hiridenhurg's palace. Speaking in the name of the entire nation, the President said that they had accomplished what in the best sense was a national deed.

Repls*ing. Herf Eckener recited the grave dangers of the return journey, which showed thrtt there was still much to be desired, but the defects, which were now known, could be remedied.— Australian Press Association.