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airship service on a commercial basis have been received from Mr. A. IT. Ashbolt, Mr. M. M. Greenhill, and Lieut.-Commander Ballantyne, to which definite replies must be given by Ist August. An analysis of each of the three proposals is set out below : — 18. Mr.'A. 11. Ashbolt's Proposal:— (1.) Capital—£l,soo,ooo. First issue, £750,000, divided as follows : £375,000 from Dominion Governments ; £375,000 from general public. Second issue, £750,000, divided as follows : £375,000 from Dominion Governments ; £375,000 from, general public'; the British Government to have the option of taking up the whole or part of the sum. Mr. Ashbolt states he has been definitely promised underwriting for the subscriptions from the general public on the basis of his terms submitted, or any reasonable modification thereto. (2.) British and Dominion Government's Assistance or Liability. (a.) Share subscription (see 1 above) : Dominions to subscribe £375,000 towards first issue and £375,000 towards second issue. British Government, nil, but option on second public issue of £375,000. (b.) Completion of existing airships : British Government and company to share this expense —say, £73,000. British Government liability of £36,500. (c.) Subsidy : £500,000 per annum for ten years. British Government, £250,000 per annum for ten years. Dominions, £250,000 per annum for ten years. (d.) Mail subsidy : All first-class mail-matter to be transferred to the company, and the difference between the rate charged by steamers and railway and the rate (to be agreed) payable to the company for similar services to be paid by respective Governments on their outgoing mail. (3.) Programme. —To attempt experimental services with existing airships to India, Australia, and South Africa, and to establish the necessary ground organization for such services. The initial services to be considered as entirely experimental. New ships to be built after experience has been obtained on the experimental services. The first issue of capital is for the purpose of providing ground facilities for the above routes, and the second issue for the purpose of providing new airships. (4.) Estimates. —Capital expenditure : Egypt base, £150,000 ; Melbourne base, £100,000 ; mooring-mast base, a sum of £32,000 is allowed. . (5.) Conclusion. —It will be noted that the Governments concerned are invited to take part both in subscribing for share capital and in the granting of a subsidy for ten years. 19. Mr-. GreenhilVs Proposal : — (1.) Capital— £4,000,000. First year, £1,200,000; second year, £1,100,000; third year, £1,000,000 ; fourth year, £700,000. All subscribed by public or privately ; no subscription asked for from British or Dominion Governments. (2.) British and Dominion Governments' Assistance or Liability. (a.) Completion of existing airships to be undertaken, by British Government—say, £73,000. (b.) Subsidy of £300,000 per annum until company is on a paying basis, (c.) Subsidy of £75,000 from each of the Dominions, India, and South Africa, dependent on a service being maintained to those countries. (d.) Mail contracts : Guarantee of mail contracts from British Government, India, and South Africa. (3.). Programme. —Generally, the scheme provides for the gradual development of ground facilities necessary for services to Egypt, India, South Africa, and Australia, over a period of four years, concurrently for the construction of ten airships to run these routes. The existing fleet is relied on for two years for demonstration services to Egypt.