The Outlook 505 



one may, also, assume there is no prospect of aerial locomotion 

 becoming a serious competitor with the railway. It is ex- 

 tremely interesting to know that the journey from London to 

 Scotland has now been made in quicker time by aeroplane than 

 by the fastest express, and that a looo-mile flight round Eng- 

 land has been accomplished with perfect control of the 

 machinery employed. Yet, even allowing for the greatest 

 possible improvements in the construction of the aeroplane, 

 the number of passengers who could be carried is so limited, 

 and the fares charged to cover capital outlay must needs 

 be so high, that there could be no idea of rivalry between 

 the aeroplane and the railway in regard to passenger traffic. 



Like considerations should apply in the case of goods 

 traffic. 



In theory the idea of an aerial express goods service looks 

 very promising. Yet, as a business proposition, one must 

 neecjs again consider : (i) the capital cost of the aeroplane ; 

 (2) the comparatively small quantity of goods that could be 

 carried on a single journey ; and (3) the high rates that 

 would necessarily have to be paid for their transport on 

 commercial lines. A " record " in the aerial carriage of a 38-lb. 

 consignment of electric lamps from Shoreham to Hove 

 (Brighton) was established on July 4, 1911, by Mr H. C. Barber, 

 of the Hendon Aviation Grounds ; but this particular exploit 

 was suggestive mainly of an advertisement for the lamps in 

 question. I ventured, therefore, to put the following pro- 

 position to Mr Barber : 



" Assume that, owing to a railway strike, no goods trains 

 could pass between London and Liverpool, and that a London 

 merchant had a consignment of goods which it was of the 

 utmost importance should be taken to Liverpool for despatch 

 by a steamer on the point of sailing. Then : (i) What would 

 be the maximum weight, and, also, the maximum bulk, of 

 such consignment as an aeroplane could carry ? (2) In 

 what time, approximately, could the journey from Hendon 

 to Liverpool be made ? (3) What sum would the London 

 trader have to pay for the transport ? " 



Mr Barber informs me that the maximum weight of such 

 consignment as could be carried would be about ten stone 

 (i cwt. i qr.) ; that the maximum bulk would be about 

 30 cubic feet ; that the journey would take about four hours ; 



