MOORED AT THE MAST

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17081, 14 October 1929, Page 7

MOORED AT THE MAST

BRITAIN'S NEW AIRSHIP A SUCCESSFUL OPERATION (Elec. TeJ. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Australian Press Assn. —United Service.) LONDON, October 12. In the presence of hnndrods of spectators, at daybreak 400 men took HUH from its hangar at Canllngton, ami safct'ly affixed it to the mooring mast at 7.25. The airship made n perfect emergence. It looked slate grey in the early dawn, but was transformed into shimmering silver when the sun rose. The mooring crew pulled for a mile to the mooring mast, -where a cable was attached. Then"tons of ballast were dropped and she rose to the summit, and then swung prettily to Hie breeze to the cheers of fiOOO spectators.

The first aboard were the designer, Lieut.-( 01. Richardson, and Air Marshal Sir J. Higgins. The former sent a message expressing delight at the ease with which the ship was handled, compared with the difficulties of R3B. Fuel lines were run out, and the loading up began in preparation for the engine tests this afternoon. All fittings will l>c tested during the next few days, after which short trial flights will be made, and then the public christening ceremony will take place. THE RECENT CRITICISM AIR MINISTER'S REPLY THE NEED FOR PATIENCE (British Official Wireless.) Roc. 10 a.m. RUGBY, October 12. Recent criticism of the airship's construction and the delay in her trials, were referred to last night in a speech •t Hull by tho Air Minister, Lord riiQinson, wh;i recalled the wonderful achievements of the German airship which one morning was in the centre of Europe and four days six hours later had reached the furthest point in the air. If the British had decided to imitate thai achievement two British ships could have been provided years ago.

The two new airships now completed, however, were the first passenger ships built for that purpose in these islands. They contained many now ideas, and .the idea of safety first was being followed. All previous British airships had been war machines. It was not the'strength of wind that delayed the RlOl, but its direction. They wished to proceed patiently. Airships needed more courage, more faith, and a more varied knowledge than any other form of transportation.