AVIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 27 November 1930, Page 3

AVIATION

BRITISH A.F. TRAGEDY. FIFTY-THIRD CRASH THIS YEAR-. (.United Press Association —By Electrio Telegraph .—Copyright. J LONDON, Nov. 25. On the return journey from the Leuoliers Aerodrome to Donibristle, the loader of four biplanes throe of which were flying in arrowhead formation, collided with another while turning at an altitude of one thousand feet. Both planes fell headlong, three hundred yrirds apart, within sight oi the proprietor of the estate. One plane immediately burst into flames, incinerating Flight Lieutenant H. W. Howlett. The other pilot, Flight Lieutenant G. Brookqs, was killed outright. The machines were destroyed. This is the fifty-third crash and the sixty-third fatality of the British Air Force-during 11)30.

IMPERIAL AIRWAYS FLEET.

ADDITION OF BIG PLANES

RUGBY, Nov. 25

The passenger capacity of the Imperial Airways Fleet will be more than doubled itr the spring by the addition off Sight Bandley-Page air liners and three "short super Calcutta flying boats, carrying 40 pa.Wengers bach. The new unilts will be available for the anticipated .extension of the India route to Australia, and for the opening next voar of a service to Capetown. They will give the fleet a total accommodation for 727 passengers, which is; much in excess of any other passenger air fleet in the world. ;

OSCAR GARDEN

TALK WITH “SMITHY.”

WELLINGTON, Nov. 25

“Oscar Garden here wishes to frteak to Kingsford Smith,” said New Zealand- to Australia, over the radio telephone at the ooening ceremony to-day. he there ? Can you arrange {ha t?” '

minute,” came the answer. Then'a little litter, “Kingsford Smith speaking.” ‘-‘Hullo, Smithy,” said Garden. “Hullo; Kid. how are you, Oscar’ T did ’not expect to hear you so soon again.” “I hear you very clearly. We hail a very nice trip. I think it is a very great honour for me to sneak to Australia, especially to you.” ‘.‘Tliat is verv nice.”

“By the way, I met Sts linage. He sends his regards and hopes to be fit thp wedding.”

‘T)ii, thanks. How is everybody in ..New Zealand.” “Oil, very well. By tlie way, we heard on the -boat coining, over that you were going to do the Pacific flight a gain r~ Is t’liat- true?” •’ “ •' “You can wash that out. I don’t know anything about that. You can 'tell them thfe only flight t contemplate "is'the matrimonial flight.” “Anyway, best luck, Smithy.” “Good liick, good-bye;”

'ENTERTAINED BY CABINET.

WELLINGTON, Nov. 26

Oscar Qardeji wap entertained at morning tea at Parliament Buildings, hv members of the Cabinet.

INTOXICANTS in aircraft

COM.MISSION’S ENQUIRY

(Received this dnv at- 8 a.m.) - ' i; " LONDON, Nov. 20

"Tlie question of drinking in aircraft was raised before the Licensing Cbmmissibn' By Major Beaumont, representing "the Imperial Airways/ He argued in. favour of intoxicants in air--1 Ijtefs,; as J experience hap shown they were required bv passengers, not 'wholly in conneotion with meals, Imt airsickness: Tlie Company considered'the sale of liquors in aircraft a necessity. 'lt should also he possible ■ 'to : siipply .passengers before the start hfid'after arrival. He would leave the pilot free to take drink during flight if he wanted. Pilot’s occasionally rehhired "a. stimulant owing to the intense cold and high altitudes. The 'majority- of pilots were toe-totallers.