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The Aeronautic Society of New York

At the beginning of September the Society opened a contest for models in flight, and the interest created very soon produced an unexpected number of fine models whose performance was very striking. So keen became the competition that the contest, which was at first expected to run for only a week, was kept up for three months, or, rather, a second contest had to be promoted. These contests were under the able direction of Mr. Hugo Gibson.

The first contest was won by James K. Dalkranian, with a monoplane model of great strength which took the first silver cup and gold piece.

The second contest gradually evolved the remarkable aeroplane of W. S. Romme, which from its being shaped not unlike the brim of that famous hat, was facetiously entitled "The Merry Widow" by some wag among the members, but which is expected to be heard much of when in a few months the full-sized machine is produced. The flights of this model, so slow, steady and sure, gave rise to the utmost astonishment and enthusiasm. Mr. Romme was, by very large majorities, voted both the first and second prizes, a silver cup and a piece of gold.

On Dec. 9th. at the Engineers' Building, the Society held a special evening, when the prizes won during the year were awarded. This was the first occasion upon which ladies had been invited. The hall was thronged, and many ladies were among those present. Winthrop E. Scarritt, former President of the Automobile Club of America, gave a stirring address on "The Courage to Begin," warmly congratulating the Society on its work, and forecasting a wonderful future for the flying machine. Professor William Hallock, Dean of Science and Principal of the Department of Physics at Columbia University, also gave the Society glowing encouragement in the course of his address on attaining success by the study of detail. Together they distributed the prizes of the year, which were as follows:

LIST OF PRIZES AND WINNERS.

Society Silver Cup for the first member's machine to fly ..... Raiche and Crout.

A. Leo Stevens Cup for the first member's machine carrying a passenger ..... Dr. Wm. Greene.

Hanau Silver Cup, First Prize First Indoor Model Contest ..... J. K. Dalkranian.

International Aeronautic School Silver Cup, First Prize Second Indoor Model Contest ..... W.S. Romme.

Gold Piece, Second Prize ..... W. S. Romme.

Triaca Trophy, First Prize for Models, June 26th Exhibition ..... Edw. W. Smith.

Silver Cup, Winner of Balloonatic Race ..... A.E. Horn.

Stevens Gold Medal, Hot Air Balloon Ascent ..... Johnny Mack.

Gold Medal, First Prize, Highest Flight of Kites, June 26 Exhibition ..... John Emmler.

Silver Medal, Second Prize [[ditto marks for Flight of Kites, June 26 Exhibition]] " " " Wm. Corwin.

Bronze Medal, Third Prize [[ditto marks for Flight of Kites, June 26 Exhibition]] " " " Charles Lutz.

Gold Medal, First Prize for greatest length of kite string in flight ..... Max Taussig.

Silver Medal, Second Prize [[ditto marks for greatest length of kite string in flight]] " " " ..... Wm. Whiteman.

Bronze Medal, Third Prize [[ditto marks for greatest length of kite string in flight]] " " " ..... Jerome Goldstein.

Gold Medal, First Prize, least pull on kite string ..... John Puls.

Silver Medal, Second Prize [[ditto marks for least pull on kite]] " " ..... Sam Mandelbaum.

Bronze Medal, Third Prize [[ditto marks for least pull on kite]] " " ..... Frank Hader.

Gold Medal, First Prize, most novel kite ..... John Doyle.

Silver Medal, Second Prize [[ditto mark for most novel kite]] " ..... Milton Heskowitz.

Bronze Medal, Third Prize [ditto mark for most novel kite]] " ..... Herbert Nagel.

During the evening Mr. Hammer by request recited that famous classic, "Darius Green and His Flying Machine."

Throughout the eighteen months lectures have been held at the weekly meetings, and many of them have been by men of great distinction. Hudson Maxim twice honored the Society. On the first occasion he dealt with the possible future of the flying machine in