THE AIR FLEETS.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIV, Issue 125, 3 June 1910, Page 7

THE AIR FLEETS.

Great Britain's progress with the construction of airships is not rapid enough to satisfy some of the people Avho are concerned regarding Germany's warlike preparations. In the House of Lords last month Lord Montagu of Beaulieu remarked that it was rather startling to find that Germany was to-day "mistress of the air," having sufficient airships to meet those of all other nations combined. The most recent type was a dirigible, 450 feet long and capable of carrying 34 men. If a crew of eight could manage one of those ships, there was a margin of lifting power sufficient to allow it to carry from one ton to one ton and a-half of explosives. German experts had designed a gun or tube, which by means of air pressure would send a projectile from a high elevation with a considerable degree of accuracy. Lord Montagu added that Germany was building many great sheds to accommodate dirigible balloons, and was evidently disposed to regard the whole question in a serious practical light. The development of aeroplanes also was very striking, and it was clear that an attack from the air could be met only by the use of airships of some successful pattern. Lord Lucas, the Under-Secretary for War, replied that Britain would possess four dirigible balloons within the next twelve months. One was in commission, one was being built, and two were coming over from the Continent. The Imperial Defence Committee was satisfied that its recommendations were being carried out, and the Government ,was by no means unaware of the importance of the work, though airship enterprise was still in its infancy. The War Office did not propose to build or buy aeroplanes at present, because it was believed that experiments such as were required would be carried out by private individuals. Lord Lucas did not clear up the mystery which has attached to the Continental dirigibles. The statement has been published in France that the vessels are being built for the.French War Office, and that they will not be sold to any other Power, while, on the other hand, the British authorities seem confident of securing delivery at an early date.

A painful sensation was caused during the service at St. Peter's Church, Temuka, on Sunday morning. Piercing screams were heard issuing from the vestry, and a young married woman in a state of considerable mental distress was discovered. It appeared that she had got away from a nursing institution adjoining. Dr Curtis, who was present, attended the patient, and her condition became so serious during the day that she was committed to a mental hospital on Monday.

Two children bearing the name of Comet as secondary prefixes to their surnames were (says the Chronicle) registered in Levin last week by the local registrar.