AVIATION

Greymouth Evening Star, 2 January 1935, Page 7

AVIATION

R.A.F’s RECORD. [BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRKLXBB.] ' RUGBY, January 2. The Royal Air Force Squadrons achieved a remarkable new flying record in the 12 months'just ended. Service aeroplanes flew a total distance of at least 47,000,000 miles, a greater mileage than in any previous year since the War. Despite this distance record, serious accidents were considerably fewer than in previous years, and actually less than in 1921, when the Royal Air Force was about one-third of its present size, and flew little more than one-tenth of the distance covered last year. The new record is all the more striking in view of the increased flying last year in air exercises and manoeuvres.,conducted as far as possible under active service conditions, and often at night. Moreover, the R.A.F. performs patrol and policing duties over 1,000,000 square miles of territory, and flies daily in three continents, much of the time in bad weather, and over perilous country, where engine failure must involve serious consequences. Air Vice Marshal Newall has been appointed an additional member of tho Air Council, and will be responsible for the administration of directorates of organisation, equipment and works and buildings. He was appointed Air Officer commanding the R.A.F. in the middle of the year 1931,

ROUND-WORLD RACE. LONDON, January 1. A race round the world, practically unrestricted, for aircraft, is planned in 1938, by Anglo-American sporting interests, which at present are surveying possible routes. The most favoured course appears across the Atlantic to Britain, Indo-Australia, Far East, and Alaska, but the Suva-Honolulu route is also receiving attention. MANNEQUIN PARADE. LONDON, December 31. A combined mannequin parade and New Year’s Evo party were held above London Ln a forty-five seater air liner. *The passengers included representatives of London, Paris, and New York fashion houses. Just before midnight, a mannequin wearing the last evening dress designed for 1934 season emerged from the cabin. . Then, at midnight, another, clad- in tho first 1935 fashion, appeared. The latter dress, with curves and feathers - showing, a Mae West influence, was slightly reminiscent of modes .of 1910.