NEW ZEALAND FLYING MACHINE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 933, 20 December 1910, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND FLYING MACHINE.

People passing Messrs Stedman and Wilson’s motor garage in Cumberland Street, Dunedin, are sometimes possessed with the idea that flying machines are on hire within (says the Otago Daily Times). This enterprising firm has not, however, reached, that point yet, and the flying apparatus lined up with the motor cars and cycles is merely there for the convenience of its inventor and builder, Mt W. A. Brands Potter, of Kelso. Experts declare that it embodies an excellent idea, and its great lifting power and light substructure would seem to be greatly in its favour. The Kelso monoplane, which cost represents a year’s work in overtime hours. The inventor claims it to be lire largest monoplane but four in the world. He says the frame is built of Oregon, braced by piano wire and wire strainers of his design. It is spring mounted on four strong motor wheels, castor fashion. The planes of the machine are composed of built-up libs covered with strong air-proof and water-proof material. To give an idea of the amount of work in the construction of the planes, which are of the double surface type, there are 375 separate pieces of wood in each plane,. The control ol the machine is by the easiest method known —a single steering wheel mounted on a universal joint. In operating the machiue for steering, the wheel is turned right or left, according to the direction required. The same wheel is lifted up or down for operating the elevator. Another important feature is automatic stability, which is one of the difficulties in aviation. The main dimensions of the machiue are : Surface in main planes, 226 ft. ; span, 37U. ; length, 29ft ; chord, 6ft. yin. ; camber, in. ; aspect ratio, 6 '/> in. ; weight, qoolb. Mr Gill has inspected the plane, with a possible view of giving it a trial with his new engine.