SCHNEIDER CUP

Hokitika Guardian, 1 November 1929, Page 6

SCHNEIDER CUP

BRITISH R.A.F. CUTS CLEAR

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright).

LONDON, October 31

There has been a decision to dissociate the R.A.F. from the Schneider Cup race. It was not unexpected, because after the September event it was commonly reported at Calshot that it would be the last race of the kind. Even the Italian, Bernasconi, remarked that it was too expensive.

Well-informed people say the victory cost Britain one million sterling.

Apart from the risk of life, it is commonly asked what is its practical use in everyday aviation. Nevertheless the aircraft constructors are taken aback.

The Gloster Company declare the decision is a surprise to the industry as a whole. The problem is money, and unless it is solved British firms may bo unable to produce machines. Napier’s firm concur that private enterprise will find it over expensive, apart from the actual construction of machines.

There is the question of maintaining a team of expert speed flyers. Mr Sempill (President of tTie Aeronautical Society), is disappointed, because there »were many advantages to. be gained by competing,..he said, as a nation. Private enterprise was,rot sufficiently prepared to shoulder the heavy financial burden. It would be unfortunate if the race were not continued.

Britain will hold the trophy, which would have become her absolute property if she won the next race.

(Received this dav at 9.25 a.m.) LONDON, October 31. The newspapers generally regret the decision of Major Turner. The “ Daily Telegraph’s ” correspondent describes the decision as likely to dam the stream of renewed research experiment at its source. It is unwise and even absurd. Italy, France, and the United States are all likely to chal-

lenge for the next contest with service teams. In that event, unless the decision. is rescinded, Britain will lose the trophy. He points out Rice is already considering changes in the conditions. Among them is a suggestion that the, inteiwal between , contests be increased from three to five years, and estimates the cost of entering a team at £50,000.