AIRSHIP SERVICE.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 December 1921, Page 5

AIRSHIP SERVICE.

THE EMPIRE SCHEME. ! ACTION SUGGESTED. I DOMINIONS TO MOVE, By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —copyright. - Received Dee. 16, 8.40 p.m. London, Dec. 15. It is understood the British Government is communicating with the Dominion Governments suggesting action in reference to the initiation of an Imperial airship service. The British Government is prepared to move when the Dominions are ready. Air. A. H. Ashbolt (Agent-General for Tasmania), interviewed by the Australian Press Association, stated private investors were prepared to find £3,000,000 when the Dominions approve the project. The proposed Government contributions include: Britain £3'25,000 India , £250,000 Australia £250,000 South Africa £lOO,OOO New Zealand £75,000 This totals £1,000,000, spreading over three years. This scheme provides that this £1,000.000 will be expended in the construction of bases along the route, which will occupy two years; £1,400,000 from capital for the construction of seven airships; £600,000 for the completion of ground establishments; plus running expenses, with £500,000 reserved for contingencies; totalling £3,500,000. The promoters ask for subsidies for a term of years and suggest £250,000 from Britain and a similar amount from the combined Dominions. They anticipate the scheme will be in operation within two years. The first eighteen months will be devoted to providing bases. The next six months will be devoted to running experimental trips between Britain and Australia, and thereafter a fortnightly service to Egypt, India, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. It is proposed to erect shed bases in Bedfordshire, Egypt and Melbourne, with nine intermediate mooring masts and stations.