Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE MONDAY, JUNE 16th., 1930. SIR H. SEGRAVE

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 June 1930, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE MONDAY, JUNE 16th., 1930. SIR H. SEGRAVE

QNCE again, the Empire has to mourn the loss of a gallant son. Sir Henry. Segrave risked death often, in his speed reeordmaking accomplishments, overcoming great obstacles. It adds to the pathos of the final tragedy to realise that the cause was not human nor mechanical failure, but casual contact with a floating branch in Windermere’s waters. A few inches more space may have avoided the collision, and the Empire’s rejoicings at the establish'ment of a new record would then have been unmarred by the price that has been paid. ,

Sir 11. Segrave’s career was full of adventure. He did his part during the Great War, and thereafter devoted to Empire peace service, similar kerve and heroism as he had displayed against the enemy. He was not a theatrical adventurer, nor out for self-seeking. His main object was to keep the British Empire supreme in modern transport, and right well did he succeed. At motoring he established a world’s record, and so long as no foreigner succeeded in doing better, he was content. He wished in this age, when talk of British decadence is popular,to show that Britons if put to it, could still hold their own. After his triumphs at land motoring, he achieved records on the water, and doubtless would have done equally well in the air. He was of the best type of modern pioneer, and his memory will long be maintained.

It is reported that at the opening of the inquest, the question was asked as to what good these, re-cord-breaking attempts do. The Coroner, intimated that he agreed that life was recklessly thrown away. That attitude is short-sight-ed. It is only by such trials that Hie best in machinery and human control of it can be developed. The speedy passages by planes and the extension of such journeys, now commonplace, could not have been possible but for the lessons gained by those undertaking speed trials and endurance tests. Similarly, ordinary commercial and pi Hate motoring is greatly indebted ioi to-day’s improvements- to those who, like Segrave, carried out arduous tests. Regarding water travel there is much to be learned, and Segrave and his colleagues were experimenting for public benefit in that direction. It is wrong to applaud such experiments only when they succeed, and to condemn such efforts as foolish when those participating pay a dreadful penalty. Sir 11. Segrave’s life was not recklessly thrown away. He was a

martyr for science and commerce, and his deeds will be a source of inspiration for those that follow. Regret at his death should not be diluted with any censure of his deeds.