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Hokitika Guardian, 8 October 1930, Page 4

That the air has its perils as the sea, has been brought home by the serious aerial disaster reported this week. The airship is a great enterprise in itself, and it can be understood the voyago to India was looked upon as of memorable importance. It would be regarded as a great demonstration of Britain's resources and no doubt it was hoped it would impress the native mind when seen floating over the disturbed areas. The trip was therefore pregnant with great possibilities. But the journey was of short duration, —a short distance on the route and fell disaster overtook this modern mechanical triumph. Many theories will be advanced for the terrible accident which overtook the airship with startling .suddenness. Apparently when all was well, the disaster occurred. The latest wifeless reports indicated normal conditions. There was no evidence of concern or alarm on the airship. The passengers were smoking or in tranquil sleep, and those of the crew not on duty had retired also. Even the novelty of the journey was not attractive enough to keep the folk alert and watchful in their great adventure. They were lulled into a sense of perfect security, and lived the normal routine aboard as though on land. It was in this period of supreme contentment that disaster overtook the ship, lb may be the mechanical power failed suddenly as it did with the Tahiti at sea. A propellor of the airship was found some distance from the wreck, that might be the reason for the initial cause of the accident, or was it a structural defect ? Shortly before the crash the airship was at an elevation of 1600 feet, but when striking the erround isnou after she struck a hill only 100 feet high. There was a serious dip in the short interval of time, probably accounted for by the mechanical or structional troubles referred to. Be that as it may, a most deplorable accident is recorded, and there is an expression of world sympathy. The .security of the air is still not attained, great as has been the advances made, hut undeterring, the aerial enthusiasts will go forward with the efforts to make security doubly sure. Britain

has had great achievements to her credit in aerial development, and is sure to continue the efforts. The toll is great but international rivalry spurs on the effort, and so out of the intensive competition the improvements result and the advances are made. The human sacrifices which are always ready to he made in the interests of advancement in all walks of life, have been demonstrated very fully in aeronautics, and the same spirit will be manifested in the desire to achieve, the goal aimed at.