CLAUDEL HOBSON

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1491, 21 November 1918, Page 31

CLAUDEL HOBSON

BRITISH MADE CARBURETTERS

Lieut. Lowenhardt, who had fifty victims to his credit, was shot through the heart by a British airman while leading Richthofen’s old “circus” in a fight over the Somme.

Henry Woodhouse, author of “Textbook of Military Aeronautics” (U.S.), says: “The four-bladed propeller is generally used instead of the three, because of its simpler and stronger construction features. The two-bladed propeller is more efficient than the three or four, and would always be used if the arrangement of planes and engine permitted. Four-bladed propellers are more efficient than twobladed when the motor is running throttled down, at low speed. The three-bladed propeller has been tried repeatedly, and has proven satisfactory in some cases. But the construction does not permit continuity, each blade being a separate piece.

In the course of the next year or so Australia will probably be building her own aeroplanes (says the Melbourne “Age”). Plans have already been prepared, and from investigations carried out by a special committee- appointed by the Govern-

ment, it has been ascertained that with proper organisation all difficulties in the way of securing the requisite materials can be surmounted. Australian timbers are quite suitable for aircraft construction, and it*has been reported to the Government by one of its own experts that by the proper mobilisation of the industrial resources of Australian factories it will be possible to turn out aircraft of the very latest type. Meantime the creation of an up-to-date flying force is being proceeded with. In addition to the work that is carried out at the Point Cook flying school, a new establishment is being created for the teaching of aeronautics. This will be situated at Portsea, under, the command of Captain Kilby. The school is now being equipped, and will be in full operation shortly. After tuition at Portsea air cadets will be transferred to the Point Cook school for the completion of their education. The Federal authorities have under consideration the question of amalgamating the naval and military flying services. To prevent needless expense it will be necessary for the two services to work hand in hand. The development of the air

forces will necessitate the establishment of aerodromes in various portions of the Commonwealth. Eventually there will be a chain of aerodromes linking up the entire continent. With the development of aviation in Australia it is anticipated that aero clubs will spring into existence. The Defence authorities are looking forward to the organisation of such bodies, which will be welcomed as a means of stimulating aeroplane construction and arousing public interest in aerial navigation.

The Melbourne “Herald's” special correspondent in London has cabled news of the death of a New Zealand airman, Lieutenant H.. Nicol, of the Australian Flying Corps, who was well known in Featherston, and whose widow is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. Barton, of Pirinoa. Lieutenant Nicol, who was born at Makino, enlisted in Melbourne in December, 1915, at the age of 29. He was appointed equipment officer, with the rank of 2nd lieutenant. In February last he was promoted to be lieutenant in the Australian Flying Corps. His death occurred at Salisbury Infirmary from fracture of the skull.