CLUB FLYING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 140, 16 June 1938, Page 8

CLUB FLYING.

STATE ASSISTANCE. SERVICE IN EMERGENCIES. minister sympathetic. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. Intention to discuss with the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, the possibility of some measure of assistance being given to general club flying was mentioned in the report presented at the annual meeting of the Royal New Zealand Aero Club this morning. The president, Mr. H. J. MacAlister, was in the chair. It was maintained that the pilot who qualified for his license was at least incidentally fitting himself for service in time of national need, and by virtue of this fact was deserving of some assistance. In opening the meeting, Mr. Jones said the relations between the clubs and the Government would remain harmonious. It was very gratifying to him to see the part civil aviators had taken m emergency relief work, especially about Hastihgs. P rese nt problems was the number of aero clubs coming into being, said the Minister. He thought the conference should consider the question of teaerations in various areas, which would t J lem facilities for dealing with the position. b f^/ ear J dle Government spent over tIJ,OCO under its agreement with the clubs. In addition, £12,280 had been P j^L? V r b r wa y of loans, and over grft machines. They were willing, if the clubs were prepared to bring out more aircraft, to consider the point of obtaining these machines, as they would be available for training purposes in the event of an emergency, and that would be all to the good. They had a fairly big bill for service aviation this year, but he would consider any point raised, and would conclude an J agreement for the next two years if the meeting thought fit. A lot of new equipment was being obtained for inspection of aircraft, and also for creating a fine technical staff. This was a very important side of the Air Department's work. The Minister said he was determined to ensure the safety of passengers and pilots. The following officers were elected:— President, Mr. T. E. o*Dowd; vice-presi-dents, Messrs. A. S. Burgess and A A McNabb. honorary auditor, Mr. T. Forsyth.