CANTERBURY AERO CLUB'S PAGEANT THE TRIUMPH OF THE MOTOR

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19853, 14 February 1930, Page 17

CANTERBURY AERO CLUB'S PAGEANT THE TRIUMPH OF THE MOTOR

The Canterbury Aero Club to-day ranks as the largest aero club in New Zealand, having a membership of 700, and this js one of the most material indications that civil aviation is taking a very strong hold on the people of the South Island «f New Zealand. The plan to form such a club in Christchurch was put forward by Sir Francis Boys • and others who had interested themselves in aviation, and this body of men waited upon the Canterbury Progress League to solicit their aid in stimulating Interest in the project. As a result, the decision to form the Canterbury Aero Club was made at a public meeting convened by the Mayor of Christchurch, and hold on April 26th, 1928. Because of various delays, which, however, could not be avoided, the club was not able to take advantage of the Government's offer to approved aero clubs until early in 1929. Then the committee accepted the two Moth aeroplanes offered, and appointed Mr J. C. Mercer its pilot-instructor, the work of training pupils being commenced on May 2nd. Since that date instruction has been continued steadily, and the membership grown from 250, when the club was first formed,

to 700. The first to secure a pilot's A license as a result of club instruction was Miss Aroha Clifford, and on the same day a license was also secured by Mr R. W. Norman. Besides the two mentioned, the club now has seven members who have passed the test for their pilot's license. They are:—Messrs D. E. Grigg, L. G. Smart, R. S. Taylor, C. B. Myhre, W. J. B. Hutchinson, W. E. Gant, and G. T. Kay. At the present time there are about 10 members who are ready to sit for the pilot's license test, and all of these will do so before March 31st of this year. These could have secured their licenses at an earlier date, but the policy of the

THE WIGRAM AERODROME AT SOCKBURN, WHERE THE CANTERBURY AERO CLUB ARE HOLDING THEIR PAGEANT TO-MORROW

club is to make the instruction course as thorough as possible, even though a little more time is taken up in training pupils. The membership of the club is not restricted to the City of Christchurch, and a feature of the club's policy has been its enterprise in visiting many of the country districts, and enabling the people there to enrol. In this manner the club has demonstrated the broadness of its outlook, and certainly the country residents have appreciated the opportunity given, and have joined up in large numbers, so as to enjoy the advantages given by the club. In 1930 it is hoped to further extend this campaign.

AEROPLANE CLUBS IN ENGLANDEND OF SUBSIDY PERIOD. (moil OU* OWK COBMiyOXDZKT.) LONDON, January 2. Government support for the light aeroplane clubs, which are proving the greatest single force for popularising flying in this country, is to be withdrawn this year if existing plans are adhered to (writes the Aeronautical Correspondent of the "Morning Post"). These clubs have had a record year, but private flying, as opposed to club flying, is still on an exceedingly small scale in this country, and it is feared that the withdrawal of the subsidies will adversely affect the development of "air sense" and the supply of pilots. National Flying Services, Ltd., is working under a modified • subsidy agreement with the Air Ministry, but the clubs have not been offered any similar agreement. Consequently it is probable that many of them will either fail or be forced to join National Flying Services, Ltd., and thus lose their individuality. National Flying Services, Ltd., has proved extremely efficient, but it is felt by club members that their clubs, in view of their successful work during 1929, are entitled to equal treatment with the larger company. I understand that the clubs contemplate a combined representation of their case to the Air Ministry. Training of Pilots. Last year the thirteen subsidised clubs, which have ft membership of 2076, and operate. 48 aircraft, received a total Government grant of £15,522. When it is considered that they are continually training pilots, and that they help to maintain aerodromes, this amount compares unfavourably with the £.349,000 for Imperial Airways, Limited, over the same period In 1928

the subsidies to the clubs amounted to £12,318. In addition to the thirteen subsidised clubs there are eleven unsubsidised, three of •which are Service clubs run by K.A.F. officers at their stations. The unsubsidised clubs bring the total number of flying club members up to well over 3000. The flying club movement was started in this country, and has been taken up in the Dominions. Australia lias ten elubs, Canada sixteen, India four, New Zealand nine, and South Afriea nine, while East Africa, Singapore, and the Irish Free State have one club each. The clubs provide cheap facilities for flying. There are still fewer than 200 private aeroplane owners in this country.