AVIATION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 10 March 1930, Page 5

AVIATION

BRITISH AIR ESTIMATES SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IMPERIAL AIRWAYS SERVICE (Unitod Press Association—Bv Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, Bth .March. A WJiito Paper disclosed that the air estimates for 1930 total £17,850,000, which is an increase of £890,000 over 1929.

Lord Thomson's explanatory memorandum says :"The trials of JUOO and RlOl have shown a satisfactory measure of success, despite delays inevitable, in the field of so novel experiments. Both airships have proved 'that ifhey are thoroughly stable and easy to control. RlOl rode at its mast through weather of exceptional severity for a month on end. and IMOO attained its full speed of 81 miles an hour, which is equal to that of the Graf Zeppelin. In accordance with the policy of safety first it was decided to insert an additional section in RlOl before undertaking the flight to India and back. It is intended that the RIOO will cary out flights to Montreal in the late spring or summer and operate in the winter between Cardihgtou and Ism alia.

"Provision has heen made for the development of mechanical means for moving the airships into and out of sheds.

"Generally speaking the estimates allow for a broad continuity of the air policy and outlines a home defence scheme, which will not prejudice increases in the Royal Air Force, which arc small and desired to demonstrate again the Government's earnest desire to avoid disastrous competition in air armaments. We shall thus have breathing space in which to watch the development of the new spirit which pervades pacific international instruments such as the Treaty for the renunciation of war and the optional clause. The Imperial airways service to South Africa should commence with the section between Alexandria and Tanganyika in the autumn of 1930, and tile through service to Capetown in the spring of 1931."