second member of the crew. One of its most striking features is the large speed range. The maximum speed is 230 m.p.h., but while spotting for the artillery it can fly at as low a speed as 45 m.p.h. This is due to the fitting of both slots and flaps. The Fairey Battle is used mainly for photographic reconnaissances and for convoying lorries up to the front. So far this war has produced no outstanding fighter pilots, such as Mannock and Bishop during the last war. However, there is one New Zealand pilot, nick-named Cobber, who has so far shot down two Dornier 17s and one Messerschmitt 109. The largest dog-fight of the war took place on November 5th, when twenty-seven mixed German fighters were attacked by nine French machines. After a hard-fought battle, the French shot down nine enemy aircraft and came away unscathed. The two types of French aircraft engaged were the Morane 406 and the Curtiss Hawk 75A. The former has a top speed of 310 m.p.h., and its armament consists of two machine guns and one shell-firing cannon. It is a very strong and manoeuvrable machine, much liked by the French pilots. The Curtiss Hawk 75A, purchased from America, has a top speed of 310 m.p.h. and is armed with six machine guns. It is believed that the French version has four machine guns and one cannon. Finally, one important point should be appended. The war has not started yet. When it does we can be sure that Germany will at least attempt large scale bombing attacks on this country, and our planes will strike back with even greater persistency. But one should not be discouraged, for our defence system is powerful enough to prevent a repetition of Poland. Motrevlock, Forms V and VI.
S.S. HOLMPARK. The " Holmpark " left this country with a cargo of coal shortly before Christmas for a destination in the Indian Ocean. The voyage was, we gather, without adventure, and a mail arrived from the ship in February, having been posted in January at a bunkering port not far from her destination. We do not know her present whereabouts, but it is unlikely that she will be home for some time. Meanwhile, we send Capt. Richard and his officers and crew our very best wishes for a safe voyage. 42
