NOTE OF THE DAY

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 11913, 6 April 1933, Page 4

NOTE OF THE DAY

A TERRIBLE CALAMITY

The tragic loss of the United States dirigible Akron, proudly designated ‘‘The Queen of iho Air," has added appreciably to the shock occasioned only a week or so before on account of the destruction by fire of the Imperial Airways liner “City of Liverpool" whilst over Dixmude. And now comes news of the loss of ft. French semi-rigid dirigible whilst- undergoing a test. In point of loss of life and material damage, the airship disaster is, of course, much the worst of all. Whereas only 1,5 lives were destroyed in the plane crash. 73 people peri-shed as a sequel to the dirigible falling into the sea, and. whereas the air liner was worth only a, comparatively small sum, the airship had cost- eight- million dollars. The French disaster involves only material loss. As regards the effect of these disasters on aviation, the loss of the liner is not likely to make travel by air over long journeys any less popular. To-day, all air services throughout- the world are carrying on according to schedule and there is uo dearth of passengers. But the loss of the Akron and of ihe French dirigible is likely to give a severe-set-back to airship building. So far. the United States Government has built only three airships, and two have now been lost. Britain’s experiences with airships has not been anv more pleasing and there can bo no question but that the loss of the KLOI over France when on her way to India did a great deal to retard further enterprise in that important direction on the part of the Home authorities. In the realm of the airship, Germany clearly maintains her lend. The great success that has attended the lengthy journeys undertaken by tlio Graf Zeppelin had, indeed, almost led the world to believe that the sky would, erelong, be filled with these monster vessels. Up till June last, she had made 250 flights and had flown over every Continent except Australia. At present, the cause of the loss of the Akron is still enshrouded in mystery. In some quarters, the storm that was raging at the time is being hold to blame. The suggestion that she was struck by lightning, seems, however, to be far fetched. If that had been the caso, it- would have been a miracle for even a -single life to have been .spared. What would seem, to be the position inj that tho great bulk of aerial disasters result from mishandling, whilst the remainder may he attributed to faulty design or construction or lack of mechanical attention* In .tho meantime, there is likely to be a- lon'gthy pause before' airship building again becomes popular. But, seemingly, there will ho uni. end to the building of planes and liners. Every year s6es further 'advancement and. although, they cannot yet be regarded a s . foolproof, the loss of life as fat as the regular services aro concerned must bo held to be almost negligible. As might be expected, world-wide sympathy is being extended to the United States in connection with the terrible ca - amity involved.. in the loss, 'of her magnificent air vessel, _Akron.