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Otago Daily Times, Issue 22563, 6 May 1935, Page 13

The New York Evening Journal, in the first of a series of articles dealing with recent marine disasters and their toll of 282 lives, makes the startling disclosure that a large percentage of sailors who sc-ve in American ships secure their jobs by means of forged certificates. Many of the men, it says, know nothing of the sea. Yet, to their undisciplined hands are entrusted the lives of thousands of passengers who daily leave New York in American ships. The paper states that forged certificates attesting that tne holder has had three years' service at sea can be bought for lCs apiece. As an indication of the extent of this "racket," the Journal reports that within the past year shipping authorities in Washington have recovered nearly 3000 of these fraudulent certificates, "In the light of the disclosures." says ' the Journal. '* the United States Merchant Marine stands revealed as sadly in need of general overhauling." Called the " sky flea" a midget aeroplane just introduced in France measures less than 20 feet between wing tips. It is said to take off with a run of only 100 yards, and to fly at a speed of more than 60 miles an hour. A 20 horse power motor drives the tiny craft. The machine is reported to have flown 4000 miles in successful trials. Small aeroplanes of this type, because of their low cost, economy of operation, and versatility, are expected to give a great impetus to' aviation as a sport. They can be housed almost anywhere, and need no large landing field.