AIR TRANSPORT NEWS
Page 47
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The London Aerodromes Conference
On December 8, at the Mansion House, London, 11.R.}1. the Prince of Wales opened the conference of municipal delegates to discuss the provision of more aerodromes. His speech, lasting 13 minutes, was probably the best of the afternoon, for he centred his argument on the speed made possible by air transport, and said that we must think in terms of 250 m.p.h. Lord Londonderry, Secretary of State for Air, said that the provision of aerodromes was one of the most pressing needs of this country today. Sir Hilton Young, Minister of Health, explained the powers of municipalities in regard to aerodrome provision. Mr. R. Ashley Hall, of Bristol airport committee, dealt-at great length with the more obvious aspects of aerodrome administration, and was followed by Major R. H. Thornton, a Liverpool shipowner, who advanced arguments to urge the need for air services and aerodromes.
The same evening Lord Wakefield entertained the delegates at dinner at the Savoy Hotel, Lord Londonderry being the guest of honour. The speeches of Lord Wakefield, Lord Londonderry, Lord Leverhulme, Sir Crawford McCulhigh (Lord Mayor of Belfast), Sir Alan Cobham and Mr. C. R. Fairey (President of the Royal Aeronautical Society) were all both practical and impressive, and were well received.
Channel Islands Service Expected Shortly.
On September 29 we published a paragraph concerning plans for an air service between the Channel Islands and the British mainland. It is likely that a service will be started in the near future. Jersey Airways, Ltd., has been registered in Jersey as a limited company with a nominal capital of 120,000. The proximity to the French coast is, of course, a feature of importance.
Two Couriers for a New Company.
Two weeks ago we referred to negotiations proceeding between London, Scottish and Provincial Airways, Ltd., 52, Grosvenor Gardens, London, S.W.1, and Dumfries Town Council. It is now reported that the company is buying two Airspeed Couriers.
Successful de Havilland Trading.
For the year to September 30, 1933, the directors of the de Havilland Aircraft Co., Ltd., recommend a dividend of 7i per cent., compared with 21 per cent, for the previous year. The profit, after allowing for income-tax, depreciation, etc., was £63,439. The directors have recommended that £25,000 be transferred to reserve and £5,000 be appropriated to the reduction of investments In subsidiary companies.
Capt. Frmson and Municipal, Apathy.
Addressing Elgin Rotary Club last week, Capt. Fresson, of Highland Airways, Ltd., said the possibilities of commercial aviation had only lately been realized. The public was being educated to air travel and improved aircraft engines enabled them to maintain their service in spite of difficult weather con ditions. He regretted the apathy of public bodies regarding municipal aerodromes, Inverness alone, in that part of the country, having been alive to the possibilities.
Another Joint Municipal Scheme.
The town-planning committee of Farnham Urban District Council has appointed a sub-committee to meet representatives of Aldershot Borough Council to discuss the provision of a joint aerodrome.
Islanders to Provide Aerodrome.
Consequent on the refusal of Orkney County Council to give a grant for the purpose, the islanders of North Ronaldshay have decided to bear the cost of laying down an aerodrome large enough to accommodate any size of aeroplane.
Wrightson and Praise: New Activity.
Messrs. Wrighton and Pearse, Heston, in addition to their private-charter flying services, have now set up as aircraft brokers.
Hillman's Airways Resist the Weather.
Despite the continued bad flying weather in the week ended December 8, Hillman's Airways, Ltd., maintained the regularity of its daily services on the London (Romford)-Paris route, 42 single-journey passengers being carried. We believe that on December 7 the Hillman machines were the only ones on this air line to depart from and arrive at their termini.
Another Central-London Aerodrome Plan.
At the time of closing for press arrangements were in hand for Mr. F. A. Bonier, a member of the Court of Common Council of the City of London, to place before the court yesterday a scheme for erecting a landing platform for aircraft above the River Thames between bridges' adjacent to the city.
Southern Railway: Important Step
It is proposed to lease the joint Brighton, Hove, and Worthing municipal aerodrome at Shoreham for 28 years to Southern Aircraft, Ltd., as anticipated in this paper on September 15. The company will . undertake to maintain regular air services where advisable, to provide charter services to all British and some Continental aerodromes and to co-operate with the railway and other transport companies.
It is reported that the Southern Railway Co. is to hold shares in the company and to appoint one director, and will construct a new station near the aerodrome. The railway company states that no agreement has so far been arrived at. The corporations have purchased at £39,000 the 146-acre site, and Mr. S. H. Tiltman is the architect.
Essex Company Orders a Courier.
It is reported that Commercial Airways (Essex), Ltd., Loughton Aerodrome, Abridge, has ordered an Airspeed Courier. The company's plans have been provisionally referred to in this paper, and it is known that long-distance regular air lines have been considered, but we are still not permitted to make a full statement An Airwork Branch in Northern Ireland.
Mr. F. A. I. Muntz, managing director of Airwork, Ltd., Heston, has been staying at Lord Londonderry's Belfast estate, and news now comes to hand of plans for laying out an aerodrome and setting up a branch depot of Airwork, Ltd., on this Newtownards estate.
London-Plymouth: The Latest News, On November 10 we announced that all the detail arrangements in connection with the new Croydon-Southampton-Plymouth air service of Provincial Airways, Ltd., were practically completed. On November 27 a return flight with mails was made over the route, but commencement of the regular service is at the moment held up owing to the illness of the managing director, Major H. Kent. It is regrettable, for the route, connecting two Atlantic ports with the London terminus of all the Continental air lines, is one which offers distinct promise. The single journey, with normal present-day machines, is made in about two hours, and part of the company's scheme is inclusive road transport in the London area. There appears to he an opportunity here to develop an air line for which all plans are laid.
Gravesend Again Used by Liners. '
On Wednesday and Thursday of last week, when there was bad visibility at Croydon, two K.L.M. machines and one Deutsche Loft Hansa liner landed passengers, mail and fricight at Gravesend, whence the journey to Victoria is as quick as that from Croydon. We hope shortly to be allowed to announce fur. titer developments at Gravesend.