The Seventh British Commonwealth and Empire Lecture, “Air Transport in New Zealand and the South Pacific,” by Air Vice-Marshal Sir Leonard Isitt, K.B.E., R.N.Z.A.F. (Ret'd.), was read before the Royal Aeronautical Society by Mr. T. A. Barrow, J.P., on 4th October 1951 at the Institution of Civil Engineers, Great George Street, London, S.W.I. Major G. P. Bulman, C.B.E., F.R.Ae.S., Past-President, presided.

Major Bulman: He was sure that they would all regret that Major Halford was unable to be present; immediately after the reception following the Wilbur Wright Lecture, he had had an operation, and although it was successful he had to undergo a course of treatment which would keep him out of circulation for another five or six weeks. They hoped that at the end of that time they would enjoy his presence and leadership for the rest of his year of office.

It was for him a very real pleasure, despite the sad reason, to take the chair for the second time at a British Commonwealth and Empire Lecture. These lectures—instituted originally by Mr. G. H. Dowty—were given alternately by a distinguished representative from the Mother Country and from the Dominions and Empire. They had had one from Australia, two from Canada and now New Zealand.

Air Vice Marshal Sir Leonard Isitt had had a distinguished career in the Air Force, first with the R.F.C. and Royal Air Force and then with the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and had now turned his attention to civil aviation. He was Chairman of New Zealand National Airways Corporation and of Tasman Empire Airways and a Director of British Commonwealth Pacific Airlines. Unfortunately, because of the recent election in New Zealand he had found it impossible at the last minute to be with them. They had just received a cable from him: “Regret inability to be with you in England today. Please accept apology and best wishes.”

In place of Sir Leonard Isitt they had the pleasure and privilege of welcoming Mr. T. A. Barrow, J.P., who would read Sir Leonard's paper. Mr. Barrow had been Secretary of the New Zealand Air Board since 1937. He was also Vice-Chairman of Tasman Empire Airways.

The dangers and other disadvantages of using air pressure in the strength testing of pressurised fuselages are reviewed. A technique in which water is used instead of air is described, and its advantages considered. References are made to future test methods, and particularly to the need for the application of pressure combined with aerodynamic and inertia loads.

Accidental dispersals of medically and agriculturally undesirable insects by sea and air transport are discussed, with attention to the relative importance of the roles of ships and aircraft. World-wide records of insects found on board aircraft and discovered to have been introduced at airfields are briefly reviewed, and consideration is given to ways of meeting the problem by insecticidal treatment and airport insect control. It is felt that the insecticidal treatment of aircraft, even when provided for by comprehensive international regulations and conscientiously undertaken, does not alone provide sufficient protection against insect introductions, and that greater attention should be paid to the preventive aspects of the problem, with particular regard to the control of insects of both medical and economic significance at international airports.