MELBOURNE AIR RACE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21793, 7 May 1934, Page 11

MELBOURNE AIR RACE

SIR C. KINGSFORD SMITH USE OF AMERICAN MACHINE REASONS FOR SELECTION "As a good Australian I would sooner have a chance of winning in an American machine than of losing in some other machine," said Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, who passed through Auckland by the Monterey 011 Saturday 011 his way to America to select an aeroplane, which he will fly in the Melbourne Centenary air race. His comment was by way of answer to critics who consider he should fly a British aeroplane.

"I a 111 so tired of adverse criticism about my going to America," said Sir Charles, "that I think it is due to one to make an explanation. Regarding my patriotism I am probably a good deal more British than most of my critics, or I would have accepted 100.000 dollars to go to America about five years ago, which would have meant accepting American citizenship. Had I done so 1 would probably to-day be a millionaire like Lindbergh.

British Machines' Chances "Britain at present has not the type of machine 1 want for the job. I think it is too late now for her to start build'ng the type, for it would take about two years of experimenting to evolve the sort of machine I consider necessary. My candid opinion is that British machines will not have the best chance of winning, greatly to my regret." America, by virtue of the great distances covered by her aircraft within the continent, had evolved long-dis-tance types of machines which were very suitable for the performance which would be demanded by the Centenary race. British machines were the finest of their type, but they were built to meet requirements that were different from those demanded of American aeroplanes. Sir Charles said he had not decided definitely what type of American machine he would select. He would look at the Lockheed Altair and other well-known machines. They were standard products and he could just "take one off the shelf." It would then be adapted for greater petrol capacity and shipped to London to await him tlierf.

Backing lor Flight "I know nothing about it," said Sir Charles, in reference to a report th<>t Sir MacPhcrson Robertson, sponsor of the race, was disappointed because the airman was selecting an American machine, and that for that reason Sir MacPhcrson had reduced his guarantee to £2500. "1 have 110 authority to quote anybody's name or any of my arrangements." Had anything of the sort happened he would have heard of it. Sir Charles said he was making the trip to America at his own expense. Sir M acPherson Robert-son knew about it. as ho was the sponsor of the race and had given the prize-money. Originally, said Sir Charles, he intended to use a British Comet machine, an anonymous backer providing the. necessary £SOOO. He found, however, that he could not bo provided with a controllable-pitch propellor, and he was also dubious because the machine had not yet been constructed, being a type that was only "on paper." " Embargo " Unsportsmanlike

Regarding the report that aeroplanes entering the contest would have to meet requirements that would debar certain American machines from competing, the airman said he thought it would be highly unsportsmanlike if an embargo were placed on any legitimate type of existing aircraft. I£ American machines were barred it would create an extraordinary position. He did not think that such conditions would be imposed, as the principles of the race were purely international. If any one nation tried to gain an unfair advantage the contest would become comparable to a cricket match in which the bowlers were handcuffed. The race was an event just as sporting as a cricket match. The promoter himself never contemplated such a barrier being raised and would be disappointed if it were.