AIR FIELD DAY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 29, 14 November 1949, Page 6

AIR FIELD DAY

FINE DISPLAY AT HIGHBANK

FIFTEEN AIRCRAFT IN ACTION Fifteen aircraft were in action at the field day held at Mr E. J. Bland’s Highbank private aerodrome yesterday. Fine weather was experienced and the attendance was approximately 1500. A feature of the day was a para-, chute jmhp by Mr Keith J. Brown from 1990 feet. He landed in a field where there were three horses, but no cow to be.frightened as was the case recently at Timaru, and he was dragged ’the length of the field owing to the high wind. A height-estimating ■competition,- in connection with the jump, was won by R. H. Soak ' A display'of aerobatics and balloonbursting was given by Mr L. Mitchell, .chief instructor to the South Canterbury- Aero Club, while Mr J. Brasier demonstrated aerial topdressing.

Passenger flights were given by Mr BlantL’s, Proctor (“Windy Roue”), a Dragonfly, Auster and, Tiger Moths. Commercial pilots present included Messrs L. Greenwood, -J. Howey, N. ,C. Holmes and Wadham, while, in addition to Mr Mitchell, Mr C. Fantham, instructor -to the Canterbury Aero Club, took part in proceedings. A running commentary on events was given by Mr J. Craig, of Timaru, over a loudspeaker system supplied by Mr K. McIlraith, of Ashburton. The Methven Highland Pipe Band was also in attendance. ‘ . ■

Lunch, morning and afternoon teas were provided by local ladies, and soft drinks and ice cream stall did good business.