EMPIRE AIR SERVICE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19102, 22 February 1924, Page 7

EMPIRE AIR SERVICE

THE BURNEY SCHEME. DEFENDED BY ITS AUTHOR. Prtei Aaiociation —By Telegraph— Copyrl^at LONDON, February 20. Commander Burney, in an interview, said he was keenly 'disappointed at the Air Ministry’s reported opposition to his scheme. He surmised that the opposition was probably due to Socialistic reluctance to promote private enterprise, instead of nationalisation. He anticipated that the Admiralty would be unlikely to accept the Air Ministry’s objections, as the Admiralty strongly favoured the establishment of recognised air routes, properly equipped and maintained with material that would be available for naval warfare. Commander Burney claimed that his scheme, besides having the full support of the Baldwin Government, and the approval of the Stepping, Air Mail, and Imperial Defence Committees, was also supported bv manv Liberals and Labourites. He was confident that, if the press of the United Kingdom and the dominions strongly supported the scheme, the Imperial air line would win through. If the scheme were rejected neither India nor Australia was ever likely to be linked up by an Imperial air route as the outcome of private enterprise. Commander Burney added that a syndicate had already constructed a full-sized model cabin, and the designs for the airships were completed. They were only waiting for the settlement of the issue before beginning to build. —A. and N.Z. Cable.

REASONS FOR THE DELAY.

DEPARTMENTAL JEALOUSY.

LONDON, February 21. (Received Feb. 21, at 10.20 p.m.) The Morning Post’s parliamentary correspondent understands that one of the reasons why the Burney scheme has been held up is departmental jealousies. The agreement negotiated by the late Government with the'Airship Company was practically concluded. Lord Chelmsford (First Lord of the Admiralty) wanted a provision that in the event cf war the airships should be transferred to the Admiralty. Lord Thomson insisted that the Air Ministry should have control. , From this quarrel other difficulties developed in connection with the contract. —A. and N.Z. Cable.