BRITISH AIRSHIP R. 101

Taranaki Daily News, 4 October 1929, Page 9

BRITISH AIRSHIP R. 101

CRITICISED AS OBSOLETE WEATHER PREVENTS TRIALS ACCOMMODATION DETAILED By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Australian Press Association. Received Oct. 3, 5.5 p.m. London, Oct. 1. The question whether RlOl will prove to be obsolete before it flies, as some critics aver, must be held in abeyance for a few days longer as the Air Minister’s well-laid plans were destroyed by the weather. Strong cross winds at the aerodrome made the initial adventure into space too foolhardy to attempt. ■■ The first impressions of one inspecting the air liner are somewhat disappointing. One is struck by the' great bareness of the surroundings. The twoberth sleeping cabins arc about the same size as the cabins on trains. Throughout the full length, of the ship on one side runs a corridor giving access to all accommodation. This is nowhere wider than that provided on a train. The floors are comprised of thin plywood which creaks as one walks. Comfort everywhere is necessarily subservient to lightness. Despite the .great space allotted to passengers, there is an air of confinement about the many narrow passages, and it can safely be said that the whole enjoyment of the long trip will depend solely oh' the lounge, where passengers can see the world below.