AIR PAGEANT.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19853, 14 February 1930, Page 8

AIR PAGEANT.

+ —. - MR CHICHESTER'S ARRIVAL. SEVERAL SPECTACULAR EVENTS With the arrival of Mr F. C. Chichester, the New Zealand hero of the most recent England to Australia flight, as one of the attractions, together the spectacular events prepared for the afternoon, the Canterbury Aero Club 8 Pageant on Saturday promises to one of the mosti, interesting displays hold in Christchurch for some time. Mr Chichester, who will be escorted to the grounds by other machines, will arrive at about 3 o 'clock, and nis machino will be the second aeroplane of the formation to land. The pub ic will have an ample opportunity of seeing him as he is driven round before the official welcome takes place, ine secretary of the club, Mr P. B* Clinne, has asked the public to remain behind the barriers, as any lack of control would not only prevent a fair view of the arrival being obtained, but would also seriously delay the pageant. Over 30 machines from all parts oX the Dominion will be seen in the air in the course of the day, ana the pilot officers at present engaged in the refresher course, as well as many of the Aero Club's pilots, will also take part. Formation flying and "stunting,' an aerial Derby, a parachute descent, and a bombing exhibition will be features of the programme. Miss Aroha Clifford left for Dunedin on Wednesday evening to fly back for the pageant one of the Simmonds Spartan machines belonging to New Zealand Airways. She will be accompanied by Mr H. M. McKay, of the company, and Mr J. M. Buckcridge, the company's pilot, will fly the three-seater, which is being tested to-day, bringing Mrs R. W. Norman and a member of the Otago Aero Club as passengers. Arrangements for traffic control and for parking cars in Plumpton Park are complete, and the convenience of the public is being -studied in every way. Women's rest tents, a St. John Ambulance tent, and a refreshment stall have been provided. Information will be given at the general enquiry tent, where new members of the elub may also be enrolled. The heats for the Wigram Aerial Derby will be flown at 11 o'clock, but the more spectacular events, such as the landing competition for the President's Cup, and the formation flying, will be reserved till the afternoon.