CANTERBURY AERO CLUB

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23352, 11 June 1941, Page 7

CANTERBURY AERO CLUB

ACTIVITIES TO CONTINUE MOTION FOR SUSPENSION LOST A motion to suspend the activities of the Canterbury Aero Club until it is found practicable to continue them was lost at a special general meeting of the club last evening. The opinion of the members was divided, but a count of hands was. unnecessary when the motion was put to the meeting. A circular notice, which had previously been sent to members, stated that, because of a large reduction in membership and the Government having taken over the club’s flying facilities, it was proposed to suspend the activities and functions of the club to avoid needless expenditure. A management committee, of five members, would be set up to control and protect the interests of the club for the period of its suspended activity. Since the Government had taken over the club’s aircraft and many of. tht members have entered the military forces, there had been no flying, Mr R. S. Taylor, who presided over tht meeting, said in his opening remark* in favour of the motion.. It would not mean that the affairs of the club would be bottled up, but only that the business would be done by a management committee, of five members, he said. If any serious eventuality affecting tht club cropped up then that committee would immediately call a general meeting of members. Mr Taylor then moved the motion, which was seconded by Mr A. R. Galbraith. The motion was thrown - open for discussion, and it was suggested by several speakers that although all Ideas of flying could be abandoned temporarily, the club could, at least, retain its social functions. This would prevent the club from altogether losing its identity, “There is in this organisation an undercurrent that is, and has been, trying—not deliberately perhaps— but definitely trying to get this club destroyed. The vacillating attitude of th# executive has been very evident. Opportunities have been let go by. To close down this club deliberately and let it die would be intolerable, said Mr C. Evans in opposing the motion, “I wish to resist and oppose the dictatorial attitude of some members in trying to close this club. The executive officers assist generally, but are apathetic about their work," he continued. "There Is ah obstacle raised at every opportunity, and it is apparent that action must be circumvented in this fashion. Other clubs with fewer resources are carrying on: but they have an enthusiasm that will not be dampened and that is the cause of oat trouble,” Mr Evans concluded. He appealed to members not to vote for • motion that would mean the end of the club as it had existed for so lone. The meeting had not been called with the idea of closing the club down, nor would the rights of members be curtailed, said Mr Taylor, He denied that there had been apathy in the committees, which, he thought; had done excellent work under the circumstancex “And to say that the life of the club can be maintained by social functions is absurd and ridiculous,” Mr Taylor said. The motion was then put to the meeting and lost. . That the potentialities of gliders should be investigated was the opinion of several speakers and it was agreed to bring the question, up at th* general meeting which will be held shortly.