AERO CLUB

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LX, Issue 10965, 15 November 1932, Page 3

AERO CLUB

Federation Completed. HANGAR TO BE PROCEEDED WITH IMMEDIATELY. At a special meeting of delegates of the Matamata and Tauranga Aero Clubs held in the Borough Council Chambers on Friday evening, the federation of the two clubs was officially completed by the formation of a new governing body, ‘‘The Central Federated Flying Club.” This body will take over the control of all active flying opeartions in the districts covered by the present ' constituent clubs and such other clubs as may hereafter join the Federation, leaving to each of these clubs he proviso ion and supervision of flying grounds, hangars and other local requirements and amenities, thus distributing the heavy expenditure entailed in the provision and upkeep of ’planes, salaries of pilot instructors, ground engineers, etc., which would be too heavy for any one club to bear, over the whole body of clubs constituting the Central Club. This Federation marks an important step forward in aviation, not only in Tauranga and Matamata, but throughout the South Auckland Province, which, so far, had no central body to link together local efforts. This district has proved too remote from Auckland to be effectively worked from there, whilst it is completely separated from the territories covered by both the West Coast Federated Flying Club and the Hawke's Bay and Bast Coast Club. The new club will complete the chain of main clubs which already covers practically the whole of the remaining portions of the two islands. It is hoped that with its assistance, local clubs will be established in most of the centres in the southern portion of the Auckland Province and the adjacent territory. The first Council elected consists of Mrs H. B. Hewlett, and Messrs J. Wright and Bradney Williams, representing the Tauranga Club, and Messrs Hutchison, Hay and Brake, representing Matamata. Mr Bradney Williams is acting as Honorary Secretary, pending the first meeting of the Council and the appointment of permanent officials. Immediately after the termination of the above proceedings Mrs Hewlett presided over a .meeting of the Tauranga Aero and Gliding Club Committee, at, which Messrs B. C. Robbins, F. E. Glchard, F. Briggs, C.N. Kensington, E. Smyth, J. Wright and Bradney-Williams (Hon. Secretary) attended. " Captain Brake was also present by invitation. Messrs A. C. Jensen and A. P. Jensen, of Omanawa, were elected members of the club, and a further candidate was proposed for associate membership. Masters Charles Smith, Ronald C. Mackrell and Kenneth. Andrews were elected members of the Junior Branch. The age limit for membership of this branch was advanced to 17. ' ■' '■

Further subscriptions to the Debenture Issue were reported, and it was decided to proceed Immediately with the erection of the hangar on the club section at the foot of Elizabeth Street. Mr Briggs kindly undertook to take charge of this important work. During the week several working bees have been held on the club section under the leadership of Mr Connor, and good progress has been made with the clearing and draining of the ground. With the same willing help in the building operations, the hangar should soon be an accomplished fact. It was resolved that a circular letter should be sent to all club members giving particulars of the debenture issue and asking for their support for same. The Secretary reported 1 the receipt by that' afternoon’s mail from, the Secretary of the Marine Department, of a copy of the District Engineer’s report on the airport site at Sulphur Point. It was decide to postpone further consideration of this important question until a later meeting. : Captain Brake reported on two successful trips he had made to Whakatane, where 5 pupils had already started! courses,'End more wore anti-, cipated. , There seems every prospect of the formation of a successful Aero Club in this town, and it was decided that the Tauranga Club should lend all assistance to this end and to the inclusion of the club, when formed, in the Central Federation. Mr Wright drew attention to the proposed air tour of the North Island by pilot members of the Auckland Aero Club, during the Christmas holidays, and it was resolved to invite the club to Include Tauranga in the itinerary. It is anticipated that from 10 to 15 machines, with propably two pilots to each machine, will take part in the tour, so that if the visit comes off the Waikareao will be a busy scene during their stay.

It was decided to apply to the Director of Air Services to have the Estuary officially recognised as a temporary aerodrome; also to advertise in “Wings,” drawing attention to the advantages of Taiiranga as a holiday resort where it is possible to combine a course of lessons in flying with the more ordinary attractions of holiday making. Mr Connor was appointed Honorary Publicity Officer to the Club. SOLO PUPILS. At the aerodrome yesterday Mr Frank Gresham made his first solo flight. , At 3;30 p.m. Mr Gresham took off solo and after staying in the air about ten minutes he came down, making a landing which would have credit to any first solo pupil. Messrs T. Baikie and J. Gresham also made solo flights and they will not be long completing their five: hours’ solo in preparation for their A license tests.