CIRCUIT OF AFRICA.

Waikato Times, Volume 104, Issue 17503, 10 September 1928, Page 9

CIRCUIT OF AFRICA.

SIR A.. COBHAM’S • FLIGHT. IMPERIAL AIR COMMUNICATION. A GREAT, ACHIEVEMENT. Yet another pioneer flight has been brought to a sucessful conclusion by Sir Alan Cobham, the fourth of a brilliant series which he has undertaken to blaze the trail by air throughout the British Empire. Bold in conception. combining in one venture many definite objects besides general propaganda for British aviation, it has been carried out in spite of all difficulties with that thoroughness and clarity of purpose so characteristic of our foremost civil aviator. The expedition, organised entirely by its leader, was made possible in the first place by the Air Council who loaned the machine, and supported by hhe cooperative efforts of a number of contributors interested in the machine, its engines anil their component parts, who assisted with material, services and finance. Finally, it had the blessing and practical support of Sir Charles Waekfleld, who came forward once again to relieve Sir Alan Cobham ot those anxieties which occur always a! the eleventh hour, and as some slight tribute to him this voyage was named ‘•The Sir Charles Wakefield” Flight of Survey Round Africa. Invaluable Experience. Unlike previous great flights, this one has been carried out on a flying boat instead of on the more “conventional” land machine, so that invaluable experience has been gained in the operation of a type which is of the greatest interest to us as an island nation, dependent on the sea as a means of communication with our widelyscattered Empire. In spite of aviation, which has robbed us of our insularity, we can maintain personal contact byair with outlying parts of the Empire without crossing foreign soil, provided that we fly over the sea; and yet until this flight was undertaken no serious effort has been made to explore the commercial possibilities of marine aircraft. Bearing in mind that this giant machine of 1400 h.p. weighs nearly 10 tons and is built entirely of metal, that it has been landed and taken off without a hitch 80 times on strange waters, sea, Jake and river, that it has crossed the Equator twice and been piloted through the high altitudes of Central Africa, it is unnecessary to emphasise that scientific and technical data of great value has been accumulated. Though not without its thrills and hardships, this flight has been devoid of the usual spectacular elements, being a serious piece of work, planned and undertaken to obtain results by methodical study without undue regard to lime. The Commercial Aspect. The commercial aspect of this aerial mission is perhaps of more immediate importance than any other. By a practical flight of utility and course of the future British air route through Africa from north to south, connecting all territories, has been defined more exactly and an entirely new route along the west coast of Africa lias been stimulated afresh in the possibilities of aircraft for development of territory and trade, and the results of past work by other aerial pioneers as well as Sir Alan Cobham have been crystallised into definite shape, so that an air line has now-come into the realm of practical politics. Now that the conditions for operation are known with some certainty and the requirements of traffic gauged, there is no need fer further experiment. Africa has signified her willingness to support to the limit of her capacity the scheme for a permanent air line outlined by Sir Alan Cobham and his partners, provided it has the backing, both financial and technical, of the Government and the public at Home. The enthusiasm of our kinsmen who are creating the means for our prosperity in distant lands should be at least equalled by our determination to establish closer contact with them by means of a regular service. Routes have been thoroughly explored, different types of machines have done their experimental work, and it is now possible and practicable to bring Central Africa within four days’ journey of Alexandria, where a connection can be made with ‘the other great Imperial air route from England to the East. Once started it is only a further stage to connect South Africa with Central Africa, and tiius establish a through route for passengers, goods and mails, passing entirely over British territory. Many years ago Cecil Rhodes visualised an All-red route from Cape to Cairo; his dream becomes a reality and assumes even greater significance in this form, of peaceful penetration by air, brought about largely through Ihe initiative and enterprise of such pioneers as Sir Alan Cobharn, who has well deserved the title of our Aerial Ambassador. On November 17 last year Sir Alan and Lady Cobharn left England with a crew of four on the short Rolls-Royce flying' 1 boat. In seven months they have covered more than ‘21,000 miles, through and round Africa without any facilities other than those - organised or improvised by themselves. Magnificent Team Work. That this ambitious cruise has been a success from every point of view is a great tribute to the ability of its leader, the pluck and resourcefulness of his wife, and the magnificent teamwork of the crew. Captain Worrall, the assistant pilot, Mr Green and Mr Conway, the engineers, and Mr Bennett, the cinematographer, have helped their chief, and covered their traces with a modesty so effective that one can only guss the part they played. Lady Cobham has carried out the longest and most strenuous flight ever made by a woman, only comparable with a voyage round the world by a sea captain’s wife long ago. She lias acted as her husband's secretary and been a member of ttie crew, and as such she deserves our special admiration for maintaining the .tradition of British women, always willing to share Ihe trials as well as the success of their men.

This African flight has been one of survey for an aerial trade route which shall be the means of bringing further prosperity to the Empire. Leaving Sir Alan Cobham to describe the ways and means by which this great ideal can be achieved, it is hoped that this country will not neglect its opportunity to take advantage of his work and carry it to its logical conclusion,