Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star MONDAY, MARCH 24th, 1919. AVIATION POSSIBILITIES.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 March 1919, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star MONDAY, MARCH 24th, 1919. AVIATION POSSIBILITIES.

One of the advantages of the war experiences has been the wonderful developments in regard to aerial possibilities. Great Britain rose magnificently to the occasion in this as in other branches of war’s work and what has been recorded is a tribute to the marvel'ous character of the organisation over so brief a period as four years. The great achievements of the aerial developments in war time mean some wonderful aids to commercial life when the new factor in trade and intercourse is applied solely to civilian purposes. Elying as applied to the civil requirements of the world, will now attain a great place and purpose. The great air event of this year is to be the Atlantic flight. It is an achievement which calls for an immense amount of organisation. Those associated with aerial activities are confident that with the approaching summer in the northern hemisphere,, the air passage between America and Great Britain will be accomplished. It is expected that in deference to the prevailing winds the first flight will be from west to east. From the nearest point in Newfoundland to the nearest point in Ireland, tlie distance is given at 1,850 miles, and for the aviator who completes the journey in 72 hours there is the Daily Mail Prize of £IO,OOO. There is likely to be keen rivalry for the high honor attached to the feat, as well as the rich prize to be won . Brmsli and American airmen are in special rivalry, and are preparing for the flight, as well as aircraftsmen of other countries. The preparations for this great flight, as also the application of flying longdistances across Europe, Asia and Africa, means an increased knowledge in air research to further the commercial value and use of tho aeroplane. A mail service by air between Egypt and India is about to be established, and these postal services will extend quickly to other parts of the globe. The tests now going on mean a more reliable and safe machine in every way. The commercial aeroplane requires to possess all the safety and convenience of railway travelling, with the enhanced power for speed. There were many marvels developed while the war was on with regard to the stability a»d swiftness of the machines and to other adjuncts attached to their use, as for i|nst-ancd thp wireless telephone system, which mean so much to patrons of the air when on voyage. The new aid to civilisation should be an instrument for great good. It will assist to annihilate both distance and time and bring about many economic advantages For exploration and survey work over impenetrable tracts and to rigorous regions, it will be a new device in the outfit of the intrepid explorer. It will create a new era for the traveller and afford means for commercial intercourse more complete and effective than the electric cable itself. If in the next four years the air is conquered to the extent, it was during the past four years, the world is going to enjoy a wonderful change in its means of intercourse for at the moment the possibilities seem to he so great.