SCHNEIDER CUP AIR RACE

Taranaki Daily News, 1 November 1929, Page 9

SCHNEIDER CUP AIR RACE

WITHDRAWAL OF GOVERNMENT. British Official Wireless. Rugby, Oct. 30. The Air Ministry announces that the British Government will not enter in the future for the Schneider Trophy international race for seaplanes. It is explained the two main considerations which influence this decision are, firstly, that owing to Government participation in recent years the contest has assumed a character not in accordance with the intentions of M. Schneider, its originator and donor of the trophy, and, secondly, that although the.entry of the Royal Air Force team was calculated to give a much-needed impetus to the development of highspeed aircraft, and did so, notably in -the two latest contests, sufficient data has been collected for'practical development in this direction, and the large expenditure of public money involved by the Government’s participation is therefore no longer justifiable. This decision should not, of course, affect the entry of British machines in future contests. Convincing proof has now been furnished of what the British aircraft industry can do, and the wide public interest displayed should make it possible for British pilots and machines to compete in what is intended to be a sporting international event on the basis of private enterprise. The decision is not unexpected because after the September event it was commonly reported at Calshot that it would be the last race of the kind, even Bernasconi remarking it was too expensive. Well-informed people say the victory cost Britain £1,000,000 apart from the risk to life. It is commonly asked what its practical use is in everyday . aviation. Nevertheless aircraft constructors are taken aback. The Gloster Company declares the decision is a surprise to the industry as a whole. The problem is money, and unless it is solved British firms may be unable to produce machines. The Napier firms concur that private enterprise will find it overexpensive. Apart from the actual construction of machines there is the question of maintaining a team of expert speed fliers. Colonel The Master of Sempill, president of the Royal Aeronautical Society, is disappointed because there are many advantages to be gained by competing as a nation. Private enterprise is not sufficiently prepared to shoulder the heavy financial burden. It would be unfortunate if the race were not continued.

Britain will hold the trophy, which will become the nation’s absolute property, if the British team wins the next race.