AUSTRALIAN FLYING CORPS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1833, 21 August 1913, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN FLYING CORPS.

EXPENSIVE PLANT IDLE,

Although in every other country (lying corps are now in full operation, judging by tho dilatoriness which was observed by tho late Commonwealth Government in establishing a flying corps in Australia the matter could not have been considered of vital importance here, says tho "Sydney Morning Herald." Announcements were made from time to time by Senator Pearce, when at the head of the Defence Department, which, however, pointed to tho reverse being tho case. ■ In spite of all announcements, tho fact remains that it will still bo many months before tho Australian corps can possibly commence active operations. After the waste of much valuable time, five flying machines were ordered in England. Of those threo havo arrived, one (a biplane) is stored in Mclbourno, and two (monoplanes) are stored in Sydney. The other two have not yet been deliyered.

Other expensive plant was purchased by Senator Pearce, including a motor-car, a motor-lorry, and machinery for the re: pair shop. Six appointments ■ were also made, and five of tlie gentlemen who were appointed havo arrived in Australia, and are, through no fault of their own, walking about doing nothing. Whilst tho machines were ordered, whilst appointments were made, whilst mc\tor-cars and so on were bought, arrangements had not been concluded for a flying ground, and consequently there were no hangars ■ to house the machines.

It' was originally , intended to establish tho flying ground in the new Federal Ter : ritory, but this was found inadvisable, and much valuable time was lost. Then Senator Pearce set about looking for another site, and one was chosen in Victoria, but up to tho present- it bas not been acquired.