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Hokitika Guardian, 2 July 1931, Page 4

Aviation" is very popular at Home, and the latest report of the British air pageant gave proof of the British youth being in their element. Aerial •stunts appear to he almost solely in the domain pf youth, British folk are becoming air-minded, and it is plain that for obvious reasons aerial defence at Home is a serious business. Nowadays machines cross great distances in brief ,periods, and in an offensive war, naturally any country has the most to fear from the air. The submarine is passing, more and more into the background, giving place to the air machine, capable of so swiftly reaching and striking at its objective. Britain, therefore, will continue to train an increasing air force for defence purposes, while at the same time the commercial use of the aeroplane must also he expanding. Because of the cost in the face of depleted treasuries. nations are not as yet' indulging in direct aerial services for mail or passenger traffic. The feasibility of such transport lias been established over long distances, hut the cost was prohibitive in, these times of stringency, Cheaper services will pome an time, and practical use made of the air for commercial purposes; but the general advance in aerial possibilities is so steady that no country of importance can afford to stand still and await developments without some, effort to keep pace with the changing international conditions. For that reason it is well that youth will have its fling jn aerial work in Britain, where there is so much to lose were an enemy in the air permitted to have easy control over the United Kingdom. The nations are sure to. he taking stock of what Britain is doing in the way of aerjnl defence in which the nation must afford as a matter of national insurance and safety to keep keyed up to the times. The news, therefore, that has been given the world of the’ aerial wonders of the British aviators in the latest pageant, may well be regarded as intended for propaganda to assist ip enforcing a world peace.