AERONAUTICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2593, 30 August 1909, Page 5

AERONAUTICS.

ACTION IN AUSTRALIA. AN AERIAL SUBSCRIPTION FUND. United Press Association—Copyright SYDNEY, August 28. At a meeting of the Aerial League, it was decided, to appeal to the public' for a subscription of £SOOO to supplement a similar amount offered by the Federal Government to encourage Australian inventors in aerial navigation.

SUCCESSFUL FRENCH MILITARY AIRSHIP. RESULTS OF THE RHEIAIS COMPETITION. (Received August 29, 5.5 p.m.) PARIS, August 28. The new Fiench military dirigible balloon “Liberte,” designed by M. Lebaudy, and of 135 horse-power, has made a successful trial flight at Nantes, and attained a speed of 33 miles an hour, carrying seven passengers. At the Rheims tests, Mr Earman covered 112 miles in 3 hours 4 minutes 56-J seconds. He wins the grand prize, valued at £2OOO sterling. Mr. Latham won the second prize of £IOOO, and M. Paulhan the third, £4OO. [The prize money distributed at tho Rheims meeting amounts to £BOOO. It is the long-distance competition, under the title of Grand Prix de la Champagne et de la Ville de Rheims, which is regarded as the great event. The six prizes with which it is endowed are £2OOO, £IOOO, £4OO, and three prizes of £2OO each. They were to be awarded to the six aviators who may on their respective machines cover the greatest distance in the hir.] ~,