MEMORIAL TO AIRMAN

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23535, 13 January 1942, Page 4

MEMORIAL TO AIRMAN

CAPTAIN EDWIN C. MUSICK OFFICIAL OPENING BY MR FRASER (P.A.) AUCKLAND, January 12. The Musick Nemorial commemorated the loss of a great airman and his gallant crew—Captain Edwin Musick of the Samoa Clipper, stated the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser), addressing a representative gathering at the site of the recentlycompleted memorial this afternoon. Those present included the American Consul-General, Mr Raymond, E. Cox, the High Commissioner for the United Kingdom, Sir Harry Batterbee; the Minister for Labour, the Hon. P. C. Webb; local members of Parliament, and the Mayor of Auckland, Mr J. A. C. Allum. The ceremony was a simple one, Mr Fraser turning the key at the main entrance to the building and later speaking in the memorial hall before the unveiling of a plaque in honour of Captain Musick and his crew. Mr Fraser said that he had received a message from the United States Government through Mr Cox expressing deep regret that the present conditions had made it impossible to send any representative direct from the United States itself to participate in the dedication. The Prime Minister also expressed regret that it had not been possible for Captain Musick's widow to come out from New York. "Everyone present is, I am sure, familiar with the tragic circumstances of Captain Musick's death, which occurred on what would have, perhaps, been the final survey flight of the Pan American Airways flying-boat Samoa Clipper four years ago yesterday,” stated the Prime Minister. “The Government and people of New Zealand identified themselves with the regret and sympathy expressed throughout tho world at this tragic occurrence, and Mr Savage expressed the wish that some permanent recognition should be given to the part played by these American pioneers in the initiation of commercial airlines in this part of the world.” Mr Fraser said he believed that there was no finer airman in the world than Captain Musick.