TREMENDOUS STRIDES.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 226, 24 September 1928, Page 9

TREMENDOUS STRIDES.

IN CIVIL AVIATION. ENGLAND'S AIR CHIEF. ARRIVES BY AORANGI. EULOGY of KINGSFORD SMITH. '‘Aviation is to play a most important part in transport and mail services in the Commonwealth of Australia as it is doing in other countries,” stated Air Marshal Sir John Salmond, Commnnrlcr-iii Chief of the Air Forces of Great Britain, who arrived by the Aorangi from Sydney this morning. Sir John, who is, on an official visit, has just completed a. tour of the principal centres of Australia, and while in New Zealand will confer with the Government on matters relating to air defence. Ho will spend a month in the Dominion. “Australia, is one of the best countries I have come across as a promising area for aviation,” said Sir John. “Of course, I can say nothing in regard to my official visit, and my observations as far as the Commonwealth is concerned. All I can speak upon is the commercial aspect of flying, which has already made great strides in the Commonwealth. The reason is obvious why Australia is such a great flying field. It is the wonderful visibility, the open country, and the splendid climate. Added to this there are such enormous tracts of territory between the large centres, and important outposts, which civil flying is capable of bridging. Between some of those places at the present time there is very little communication, and aviation will materially assist in joining up these outlying localities. Latest Link. “Civil flying, I am pleased to say, is making tremendous strides in Australia. The latest link, which is about to be forged, is between Perth and Adelaide, over that great tract of land which contains for a great part of the distance practically no habitation. For use in this service there will be threeengined machines, and the flying will be done at night wih a view to the saving of time as far as mails are concerned. The services which have already been inaugurated are working extremely well, and the aeroplanes are always up to time. “I am not exaggerating,” said Sir John, “when I say that air matters are very much in the boom, and the flying clubs are largely responsible for the public interest that is being taken in this important question in Australia. They are fundamentally essential to maintain public interest.” Sir. John spoke with enthusiasm of the Moth machines, which are in general use by flying clubs, saying they were excellent for training purposes. Regarding the trans-Tasman flight, the Air Marshal said that when he heard that Kingsford Smith and his companions were about to make the journey, he felt convinced that the expedition would bo successful, because of the efficiency of the men and their equipment. In addition the flight was scientifically nothing being left to chance. Largest Airship. Asked concerning Britain's huge airship, the RlOO, and whether, as the largest airship belonging to the British Government, it would make an Empire cruise, the same as did H.M.s. Hood when it was the largest battleship in the world, Sir John said the airship would be in Australia in about two years’ time. He could say nothing officially ns to whether it would come across to New Zealand, but, with a smile remarked that it was only a short hop across.

In respect to world flights of British aeroplanes, Sir John said nothing had been arranged, as far as he was aware, but as matters were moving so very quickly in tlje sphere of flying, one never knew what was going to happen next. Sir John Salmond spent ten weeks in Australia. During that time he travelled fourteen thousand miles, including six thousand miles in the air.