IN THE AIR.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 6 October 1917, Page 5

IN THE AIR.

RAIDS IN BELGIUM. LONDON, October 4. The Admiralty reports: Naval aircraft bombed St. DenisTWestrem and Zeebrugge lock gates: Bruges dock and Thourouet railway junction. All returned MORE AEROPLANES WANTED. LONDON, October 4. is stated that the Government, has ordered a greatly increased production of special aeroplanes for raiding purposes. # - " V LONDON RAIDERS SHOT DOWN. - Received 11.50. LONDON, October 5. The Press Bhreau reports that the Admiralty squadron commander stated that in the recent air raid:, he attacked ten Gothas at 12,000 over the -sea ? and fired a hundred rounds at one hundred yards’ range. The commander followed and fired 25 more •rounds to make sure, and saw the enemy crash into the sea. Then he followed the eight remaining Gothas, one of which was srot. down in flames He“ caught the Gothas. at 14,000 feet and ‘ silenced one after two hundred rounds. Both German aviators must have been hit as they did not return the fire. When within sixty feet the commander had to cease the attack, being without ammunition.

.AMERICA CONSTRUCTING 20,000. AEROPLANES. STANDARDISATION INDICATED Received 8.50. WASHINGTON, Oct. 5. The War Department has contracted for the construction of 20,000 aeroplanes in accordance with the provisions of the six hundred and forty million dollars Aviation Bill. Aviators will be training in twentyfour centres. Mr. Baker has made a statement that the Allies are asking for th’e Liberty motors, and entered an international standardisation of aeroplanes and supplies. GENERAL' CABLES A generous gift. TO BRITISH NATION.

Received 8.40. LONDON, October 5. Mr Arthur Lee has donated the Chequers Court Mansion and an estate at Chiltern Hills of 2200 acres to the nation as an official country residence for British Prime Ministers. Mr Lloyd on behalf of the country, accepted the generous gift, which includes an endowment to cover the cost of a permanent staff of servants, keeping up the gardens and repairs. The park includes the ruins of an ancient stronghold belonging to Cymbeline, and is the respected birthplace of Caractacus. AUSTRALIAN WOOL FOR AMERICA. Received 8.40. WASHINGTON, October 5. The Shipping Board states it is anxious to secure ships to transport 30,000 bales of wool from Australia, which England has agreed to release, to the United States for use at Los Angeles.