R101

Hokitika Guardian, 21 February 1929, Page 6

RlOl

' THE NEW AIRSHIP

OF IMMENSE SIZE

(United Press Association—By ElectricTelegraph—Copyright).

(Received this day at 9. a.m.)

LONDON, Feb. 20

Th© Government airship It. 101, lining built at Cardingtmi, was yesterday privately visited and the complete iramework seen for the first time. Visitors interviewed said it was staggering in immensity. The old R. 33 would easily lit inside without touching anywhere. It was almost impossible to conjure up the improvement that 11. 101 represents over any other airship yet built. Every square inch marks an enormous advance, whether in framework, fabric, engines or accommodation. The cabins and public rooms now completed provide splendid comfort. The cabins are rather smaller than those of the average liner, hut are well equipped, while the smoke room? and dining saloon are roomy and very comfortable. The passenger’s quarters come first, then the engines, then the hnuge, which is the lowest instead of the highest, as aboard a liner. An unusual feature is that passengers enter the airship through the nose from llio mooring mast, through an uplifted Hag, walking along corridors on each sine within the fabric. There have been many delays in launching, due to modifications and changes. Ind the ship is so near completion that she will take the'air within three months, unless something most unforeseen happens, ,