GIFT OF AEROPLANES

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 220, 11 June 1919, Page 6

GIFT OF AEROPLANES

NEW ZEALAND POLICY NOT SETTLED. The cabled news of the proposed gift by the Imperial Government of 100 aeroplanes to each of the Dominions .was mentioned-by Sir James Allen yesterday. He said that the Government had ieceived a telegram regarding the matter, and the Government would make inquiries as to the sort of machines offered. As to whether the offer would be accepted either in whole or in part, the Government could not say anything until a policy in regard to ■ aviation had been decided. Colonel Bettington, who is tile expert engaged by tho New Zealand Government to advise on matters connected with aviation, made a very few remarks on the value.of the machines to be given. Ho said that a Hnndley-Page'twin-engine machine cost about ,£9OOO, and a smaller scout machine would cost about ,£2OOO. Assuming that fifty machines of' each class were offered, the value of tho gift would be about .£(500,000. He suggested that as the Dominion accepting the offer first would probably get the pick of the machines it might be advisable if th« offer was to be accepted at all, that it should be accepted early. Colonel Bettington mentioned also that the four warhiues which should have como put to New Zealand some time ago were still held.up in Esglnnd owing to lack of shipping space. ,