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Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 28008, 30 June 1956, Page 14

“Inspired by experiments conducted by Mr A. M. Pritchard, senior air pilot in the Ministry of Works, in the aerial distribution of seeds and trace elements. Mr L. T. Daniel, of Masterton, proposed to the Government that aircraft be used for topdressing farmlands with fertilisers.’’ the report says. ‘ The proposal was referred to Mr Gibson who. after a detailed examination of the proposal, reported that it was practicable. Trials proved that the conclusion was correct.

“Mr Gibson launched the revolutionary idea of abandoning operations from established airports, and doing the work with short hauls from airstrips on farms.

__ Important contribution by Mr Gibson to the establishment and development of agricultural aviation was his securing acceptance by the Government of the principle that where goods or passengers were not carried for hire and no risk to third Fu 1 " on the ground was involved, the State had no responsibility to interfere with agricultural aircraft operations. Without that the infant industry might have been overlain with restrictions that are justifiable in respect of public passenger and goods aircraft, but largely inapplicable to aerial work aircraft.”