AIRSHIP R101

Hokitika Guardian, 3 October 1929, Page 5

AIRSHIP RlOl

FIRST IMPRESSIONS. (United Press 'Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). (Received this rlav at 1 A n.m.' LONDON, October 2. The question whether R.lOl will prove to be obselete before it flies, as some critics aver, must be held in abeyance for a few days longer, as the Air Ministry’s well-laid plans were destroyed by the weather. A strong crosswind at the aerodrome made the initial adventure into space too foolhardy to attempt. First impressions on inspecting the air liner are somewhat disappointing. One is struck by the great bareness of the surroundings. The two-berth sleeping cabins are about the same size as berths on trains. Throughout the full length of the ship on one s’de runs a corridor giving access to all accommodation. This is nowhere wider than that provided on a train. The floors are comprised of thin plywood which creaks' as one walks. Comfort everywhere is necessarily subservant *tn lightness. Despite the great space allotted to passengers, there is an air of confinement about many of the narrow passages.

It can safely be said that the whole eqjovment of a long trip will depend entirely on the lounge, where the passengers can see the world below.