“MOST UNWISE”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20105, 26 March 1928, Page 7

“MOST UNWISE”

ATLANTIC ATTEMPTS Air Minister’s Warning Against East to West Flights RISKS TOO GREAT. {By Telegraph—Per Pres? Atsn. —Copyright.) Received March 24, 5.5 p.m. (A. & N.Z.) LONDON, March 24. "I consider it most unwise to attempt to fly the Atlantic from east to west until wo have machines of greater endurance,” declared Sir Samuel Hoare in the course of a speech at Birmingham.

‘‘l do not desire to criticise that brilliant pilot Captain Hinchcliffe and his courageous companion’, he went on, '‘but to warn others that the risks at present are too great. At the same time, it would be unwise as well as impracticable for the Government to interfere with individuals’ right to embark on such adventures.

"Public opinion is rightly jealous of any attempt to curtail the spirit of enterprise and adventure.” Sir Samuel then referred to air tragedies. In regard to the loss of Flight-lieutenant Kinkead, he said: "Does the pursuit of speed justify the sacrifice of human life? If it were only a matter of the pursuit of speed or breaking of world’s records, I should agree with those who ask this question; but there is more at stake than the increase of speed, and, just as many of the improvements in the motor-car engine are directly due to motor racing, so the definite advance in aeroplane design and engine- improvements result from high speed flying. "Let us, then, whilst showing the deepest sympathy with Lieutenant Kinkead’s family, refuse to abandon the efforts necessary for the progress of aviation, and make certain that the sacrifices of the pioneers shall not have been made in vain.”