SCHNEIDER CUP

Evening Star, Issue 20321, 1 November 1929, Page 9

SCHNEIDER CUP

BRITISH GOVERNMENT'S DECISION MANUFACTURERS DISAPPOINTED Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, October 31. The decision to dissociate the. Royal Air Force from the Schneider Cup race is not unexpected, because after the September event it was commonly reported at Calshot that it would be the last race of the kind, even the Italians remarking that it was too expensive. Well-informed people say that the victory cost Britain £1,000,000, apart from the risk to life. It is common iy asked what is its practical use in everyday aviation. Nevertheless, aircraft constructors are- taken aback, and officials of the Gloster Company declare that the decision is a surprise to the industry as a whole. The problem is money, and unless it is solved British firms may be unable to produce machines. Officials of the Napier firm concur, and say that private enterprise will find it too expensive. Apart from the actual construction of machines, there is the question of maintaining a team of expert speed flyers. Colonel Sempill, president of the Aeronautical Society, is disappointed, because there were many advantages to be gained by competing as a nation. Private enterprise is not sufficiently prepared to shoulder the heavy financial burden, and it would be unfortunate if the race were not continued. Britain will hold the trophy, which, wili become her absolute property if she wins the next race.

PRESS REGRETS DECISION. LONDON, October 31. (Received November 1, at 9 a.m.) The newspapers generally regret the decision. The * Daily Telegraph’s ’ correspondent describes it as likely to dam the stream of renewed research and experiment at its source, which is unwise, even absurd. Italy, France, and the United States are all likely to challenge the next contest with service teams. In that event, unless the decision is rescinded, Britain will lose the trophy. Ho points out that already changes in’ the conditions of the race are being considered. Among them is the suggestion that the interval between the contests be increased from three to five years. He estimates the cost of entering a team at £150,000.