Airships at Olympia.
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Further to our references of last week, we observe with great interest the official notification of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders to the effect that the arrangements recently made in Paris by its Secretary, in connection with the provision of aeronautical exhibits at the forthcoming Olympia Exhibition, have been confirmed by the committee of management. We have no belief in the future utilisation of airships for the conveyance of merchandise, notwithstanding the terms of a patent application by Mr. E. J. Pennington, in the course of which, on the authority of Sir Hiram Maxim, it was stated that : " in order to secure greater buoyancy, the staircases, furniture, and other fittings were all made hollow and filled with compressed hydrogen." This story, with its interesting bearing upon the depth of Mr. Pennington's knowledge of natural philosophy, was related by Sir Hiram Maxim, in his own inanitable fashion, at the old premises of the Automobile Club. On the other hand, it is folly to ignore the attractions and benefits, both direct and indirect, which may reasonably be expected to accrue to the heavy section of the industry from the projected combination. Bond-signers find it expensive enough to pay is. per square foot for space at Olympia, to say nothing of those manufacturers who elect, for their own good reasons, to remain outside the select circle, and who therefore have to pay considerably more. Why not relieve the situation by introducing another source of revenue? What is the objection? It is not inconceivable that so big a " oate " might be drawn that the S.M.M.T. might reduce its charges for floor apace. The occupation of part of the air space, if at no rental at all or positively in exchanoe for a valoable monetary consideration, should materially increase the attendance next March, but the presence Of
airships could in no wise frighten away would-be purchasers of commercial motors. The whole building would be given a much-needed air of cheeriness, and there would be less time for principals and salesmen wearily to gaze up and down the deserted gangways. Whilst we deprecate any steps which might tend to create a sense of artificial prosperity for the great commercial-motor show of the year. genuine interest in which can only be a matter of slow growth, we heartily concur in the view that there is everything to gain and nothing to lose over this new departure.