IN THE AIR.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 February 1919, Page 5

IN THE AIR.

A VALUABLE INVENTION. FOR MAINTAINING NORMAL AIR PRESSURE. ' Received Feb. 25, 5.5 p.m. Paris, Feb. 24. A noted French scientist, M. Rateau, says he has invented a turbine apparatus which maintains normal air pressure for aeroplane engines at the highest altitude. He claims that aeroplanes will thus be able to utilise decreased air resistance at great, heights without loss of engine efficiency. He believes tliat a speed will be attained double anything hitherto known. One test has shown an increase from 88 to 150 miles hourly —Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. EMPIRE SERVICE. London, Feb. 20. Speaking at a luncheon at the Australian and New Zealand Club General Sykes, who was the principal guest, paid a tribute to the splendid work of the Australian Flying Corps in Egypt, Palestine and France. The three squadrons in France accounted for 400 enemy aeroplanes. The air record of the New Zealanders was no less remarkable.

It was essential that the separate portions of the Empire should build and weld together their commercial and aerial organisations so as to be able to protect themselves and render immediate mutual assistance if danger arose. The advantages arising from the chain of British possessions throughout the world must be utilised for fuel and repair bases, meteorological and wireless stations. Preparations must be made for the day when the all-British air routes would play a great part in the maintenance of the Empire's commercial existence. Undoubtedly aviation had a great future in Australia and New Zealand. Aerial transport in its early stages would be expensive, but they must pay for speed. The International Aerial Convention in Paris, which had received much help from the Empire representatives, had drafted a scheme for the organisatibn of mail and trade route services and international lines for the approval of the Peace Conference, and a comprehensive system of aerial communications should be rapidly established. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. AVIATION ATTACHE AT WASHINGTON. JsJew York, Feb. 23. A Washington dispatch states that Britain's first aviation attache, Briga-dier-General Lionel Charlton, is soqp to arrive from England.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.