AIRSHIP DISASTER

Otago Witness, Issue 3111, 29 October 1913, Page 27

AIRSHIP DISASTER

BERLIN, October 21. The Zeppelin enterprise is on the brink of collapse It has many enemies, and the Government’s confidence is declining. Without Government orders the company cannot survive. The recent disaster is threatening the popularity of the Zeppelin air tours, and it is now suggested that the long immunity from accidents was due to a happy chance. The Kaiser and Kakerin, the Princes of the Royal Family, Count Zeppelin, the Imperial Chancellor (Dr Von BethmannHollweg), the Cabinet Ministers, military and naval chiefs, and all foreign attaches attended an impressive memorial service at the Berlin Garrison Church on behalf of the Zeppelin airship victims. Naval and military detachments saluted the remains both inside and outside the church, and the cortege' proceeded amid the tolling of numberless bells. The Kaiser’s six sons marched behind the last coffin as a guard of honour. It is stated that Count Zeppelin constructed the last airship (L2) on lines contrary to his own judgment, but at the request of the naval authorities. He regarded the new type as less safe than the old. (Feom Ook Own Corn f.spondent.) LONDON, September 12. The ill-fortune which has persistently pursued the German airships of the Zeppelin type was again evidenced this week by the destruction during a gale off Heligoland of the LI and the loss of 16 lives. The airship fell into the sea, and sank before torpedo boats could reach her. There were 23 persons on board, and among the lost are Captain Met zing, commander of the Nava! Airship Division, and Captain Hanne, pilot of the airship. Great depression has been caused in German aeronautical circles by the fact that this latest disaster has been attended by groat loss of life, whereas in all previous accidents to Zeppelin balloons, many as they have been, no loss of life lias occurred. It has always been the boast of the Zeppelin people that while the development of the aeroplane has levied a groat tax on human life, no serious results to life or iirnb ever attended the handling of their balloons. Zeppelins have been torn to pieces in the air, and their passengers have yet reached the earth in safety. Zeppelins have come to roost in the tree tops, and their passengers have climbed down unhurt to tne ground. Tho present disaster has come, therefore, as a grievous disappointment to the supporters of the Zeppelin system.