CIVIL AVIATION

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 209, 29 May 1920, Page 7

CIVIL AVIATION

DEVELOPMENTS IN BE [TAIN. The British Air Ministry recently invited several cities in the United kingdom .to acquire for purposes of civil aviation aerodromes which lijad been established in their vicinity ijurug Iho war. Sheffield is the only pl&ce which has definitely accepted tho offer, though others, of wlucii Newcastle is prominent, appear to be likeiy to follow suit. British commercial centres appear to be realising that aviation facilities aro a definite asset to the community, bringing trade as well as sporting and pleasure advantages, all of which mean increased revenue to tho authorities as well as benefit to tho citizens. The revenue is on account of registration, landing and "accommodation fees, hire of machines and pilots, sale of -petrol," oil and parts, repairs, and charges for admission to spectacular events.

"It is becoming abundantly clear," says an official rejiort, "that for journeys other than in competition with main railway lines, the aeroplane is easily first as regards speed and not at a great disadvantage 'as regards cost for. passengers; tho same is also true .if mails. Where a township'of any import-' anco is badly served by rail or road communications, tho benefit of mi noro(['•ome and a fleet of aeroplanes is undoubted.- 'For siapcn't towns with projected -harbours the use of eoapl.ines has also undoubted advantages for augmenting- travelling -facilities, etc.''