AIDING SPEED

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 987, 2 June 1930, Page 1

AIDING SPEED

PROPELLERS FOR FAST TRANSPORTATION PRODUCT OF ENGLISH FIRM The propeller blades of Germany's two famous transatlantic liners, the Bremen and the Europa, were made in England. Mr. A. H. Darker, consulting engineer to the London firm of J. Stone and Company, can tell of many interesting accessories made for most of the famous steamers, airplanes, motor-cars and motor-boats of the world by this company. He arrived by the Niagara from Sydney this morning after making investigations in Australia regarding the establishment of a branch business there. “At present we can manufacture metals, pay freight and duty and still sell cheaper than similar goods manufactured in Australia,” Mr. Darker said. He went on to say that although the firm would establish itself in Australia, goods for New Zealand would still be manufactured in England. For many years J. Stone and Company have been making the electric light fittings and accessories for the New Zealand railways. In addition to the propeller blades of the two German liners, Mr. Darker’s firm has made propellers for the Mauretania and also many of the Union Steam Ship Company’s liners, including the Aorangi. The bearings for the airplane which won the Schneider Cup, the bearings for Malcolm Campbell’s motor-car “Bluebird,” the propeller for the motorboat “Miss England,” and the propellers for Sir Alan Cobham’s and Hinkler’s airplanes were all made by Mr. Darker’s company. During the war the company manufactured munitions. At present, in the firm’s workshops and foundries, there is not a man idle and all the workmen are very satisfied, said Mr. Darker.

On the trip through New Zealand he will be accompanied by Mr. A. A. Mead, commercial representative of the company.