INTERNATIONAL AIR RACE

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27669, 27 May 1955, Page 9

INTERNATIONAL AIR RACE

FINAL SURPLUS OF £575 EXECUTIVE reports to MAYOR After an expenditure of £49,259 on the London-to-Christchucch international air race in 1953,' there was a surplus of about £575, said Mr H. D. Christie, who was president of the Canterbury International Air Race Council yesterday morning. With Mr S. B. Jacobs, a member of the Air Race Council, Mr Christie met the Mayor (Mr R. M. Macfarlane, M.P.) to report on the finances, and to express thanks to the City Council and the public for their co-operation. “We have had reports from overseas which indicate that the race did a tremendous amount for aviation, and we know it did a great deal for 'New Zealand, Christchurch, and Hare Wood,” Mr Christie said. Mr Christie ischairman of the committee appointed to wind up the finance.

Ihe council had estimated an expenditure of £50,000, including £30,000 for prize money; he said. In I 1949, it was faced .with the problem of raising £30.000 to comply with the international rules of racing. The previous City Council came to the council’s rescue, and put up a bond for that amount. That had allowed planning to proceed, many difficulties had been overcome, and the race had been an undoubted success- • “Never at any time did we have a word of criticism from yourself or your councillors,” he said, “and we are, happy to report that we have lifted the bond, and paid the entire expenses and have a surplus of about £575.” Through the Mayor, as the leading citizen, Mr Christie said he wished to thank a great many people who had assisted. He mentioned particularly Mr W. Nash, who as Minister of Finance had- been a great the I former Minister in charge of Civil Aviation (Mr T. L. Macdonald), Mr T. Air. Secretary,

and the City Engineer (Mr E. Somers), whose knowledge of aviation and of Harewood had been of tremendous

His council considered that commemorative plaques should be placed at Harewood and Heath Row, the British airport from which the race started, and would ask the City Council for assistance, “but not for anv money, ’ said Mr Christie. en . t 2 rel y through the air race that the city had been able to get Harewood to its present stage of development, Mr Jacobs said. With the race coming on, the council had been able to go to the Government and point out the need for lengthening the runways. Naturally, members of th 6 Air Race Council were particularly interested in Harewood, and he assured the Mayor of members’ help whenever it was needed for Harewood, Mr Jacobs said.

I think the City Council realised what you were aiming at—the developmnt of the airport and the city,” said the Mayor, “and was happy to support you. It is a wonderful result. I think we were all a little bit sceptical that you could finally, balance the budget, and I think the council thought it might have had to meet a few thousand pounds, and would have been happy to do so.” Congratulating the council, Mr Macfarlane said the race had achieved AY4t. grea l J 1631 for New Zealand. Although there was not great quantity there was great quality. The race had demonstrated what a valuable airport Harewood was, but for the future of the airport the City Council and the public must remain vigilant, said Mr Macfarlane. He considered the installation of plaques to be a very good suggestion, and he felt sure the City Council would agree.