AVIATION IN DOMINION

Evening Star, Issue 17034, 3 May 1919, Page 3

AVIATION IN DOMINION

BRITISH MACHINES AT CHRISTCHURCH. Typos of the very latest and most efficient aeroplanes used on the Western front are likely to be seen in flight over Christchurch in the course of the next month or so. They will bo the machines which the British Government is sending out for the use of Colonel Bettington, who is in New Zealand to advise the Government on aeronautical matters. There arc four machines on the way to New Zealand. Two of them are the. famous D.H.4 machines —heavy, highpowered biplanes—used hy the Allies for day bombing. The other two are “Bristol! Fighters,” affectionately remembered by all airmen, for, aa Colonel Bettington remarked, British airmen killed more Germans with tho Bristol Fighter than with any other machine. Colonel Bettington was asked whether the machines would be seen in Christchurch. He replied that he was having them sent to Sockburn, as it was tho only aerodrome in New Zealand, and the machines would he flown there, although he would like to fly wherever there was accommodation for the machines. Speaking of the Bristol Fighter, Colonel Bettington added that it was a very compact two-soator, in which pilot anrl observer sat back to back, with their backs touching at times, so close were the seats. The gunner, however, was at liberty to move at any angle in the course of his duties. Colonel Bettington added that two mechanics and two riggers were accompanying the machines to New Zealand.