AVIATION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9916, 3 August 1910, Page 1

AVIATION.

United Press Association—By Electrfc Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, August 2. Mr Robert Loraine, an actor, leaving Blackpool, aeroplaned over Liverpool and returned via New Brighton. flunclreds i of thousands of holidaymakers witnessed the .flight. Mr Grahame White similarly aeroplaned from Blackpool to Southport and back.

MR PITHER'S MONOPLANE.

THE MACHINE IN MOTION.

Though the- monoplane constructed* by Mr H. J. Fitter was not fitted with its planes, and was to all intents and purposes a wingless being, its fourcylinder engine, developing 40 h.p., yesterday gave an excellent exhibition of its powers. It drives a wide propeller, the blades of which are of aluminum and rivetted on to steel supports. A "Lyttelton Times" reporter saw the engine in motion, and later Mr.-Pith.ov allowed the machine to run along the full length of the King Edward Barracks. The reporter wes given a ride on it and had the pleasure of rushing from ojie end pi' the barracks ...fo tho other ; at a speed approaching fifteen miles an hour, which is five miles below the speed necessary to raise the monoplane when the planes are in. position. There was, of 'course, a good deal of vibration, owing to the lack of real stability in the structure and. to the weight of the engine, but the most noticeable feature of the ride was the remarkable draught from tho engine. Mr Pither stated that the draught decreased as the machine left the ground, and at thirty or forty feet was not very great. The machine was under perfect control and worked, splendidly.

To-morow and on' Saturday Mr Pither will exhibit the monoplane in Christchuroh, but he has not yet decided whether to attempt a flight during his present visit. He says that as a Canterbury man he would like to give the first official trial in Christ church, but it is hard to obtain a suitable ground.