CLUBHOUSE OPENED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 127, 1 June 1931, Page 9

CLUBHOUSE OPENED.

AUCKLAND AERO CLUB. MAYOR'S CONGRATULATIONS. DEVELOPMENT OF AIR SENSE. The residential clubhouse erected by the Auckland Aero Club at the'Mangere Aerodrombe was opened by the Mayor of Auckland, Mr. G. W. Hutchison, on Saturday afternoon. He spoke of the difficulties that beset all aero clubs, particularly that of finding a suitable site .for an aerodrome, and complimented the club on the commendable spirit of optimism it had shown in purchasing the land at Mangcrc and later in erecting the clubhouse. The Mayor commented, on the good work done by the club during the Hawke's Bay earthquake, and said it deserved credit for the manner in which its machines were always held in readiness for a possible emergency. The elui) had served another purpose in creating an air sense among the public of Auckland. The excellent appointments of the now clubhouse drew praise from Mr. Hutchison, who said that everything providing for the comfort of those using the aeiodrome and also for visitors appeared to have been clone. He felt, however, that he should utter a word of caution, that the club- should not increase its overhead charges to such an extent that the and teaching of flying might be hindered. He concluded by expressing pleasure at the improvement of the ground, and he predicted that the time would come when commercial aeroplanes, running to regular time-tables between Auckland and other centres, would make the Mangere Aerodrome their landing and taking off place. Among those present at the ceremony were the Mayoress, Mrs. G. W. Hutchison; Wing-Commander S. Grant-Dalton, Director of Air Services; SquadronLeader L. M. Isitt, in command of the Hobsonville Air Base; Flight-Licutcnant S. Wallingford; Mr. J. A. ('. Alliini, chairman of the Transport Hoard; Mr, A. Grayson, president of the Auckland Automobile Association, and reprcseiita tives of the local bodies.