NEW ZEALAND'S AEROPLANE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIV, Issue 16358, 30 September 1913, Page 10

NEW ZEALAND'S AEROPLANE.

j TO THE XDITOR. I Sir, —I notice it is suggested by different gentlemen that in the event of I the aeroplane coming to Canterbury that New Brighton -would be an ideal place for its home. I do not think that the gentlemen could have studied the matter much, as there are several i drawbacks to Now Brighton. The | Blcriot monoplane' is a hard machine • to steer on the ground (having castor wheels), and it would bo practical!..' impossible to keep her straight in the : limited space, as the prevailing east ! wind is nearly side on, it being tho custom to rise and land against the wind if there is any blowing at tho time. As soon as the machine was started tho sand that would be thrown and blown about would soon work havoc among the vital parts of the Gnome engine. The beach could only be used at low tide, and there is no landing place other than the beach itself, there being sandhills and lupins at the back of the beach. Tho sea air and salt water would rot the rubber fabric on ■ the wings and rust the wires. I would 1 suggest "that ono of the large paddocks handy to the main south railway line be utilised as an aerodrome. Trusting ' that these objections and suggestions will not be overlooked when the time ! comes for choosing a site for the school.—l am, etc., , GNOME.