STATE AID FOR AERO CLUBS

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29269, 29 July 1960, Page 12

STATE AID FOR AERO CLUBS

Minister’s View Of Subsidy } y sNew Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, July 28. The Government was sympathetic to the continuation of financial assistance on a gradually diminishing scale until aero clubs were in the position of being self-supporting, the Minister of Civil Aviation (Mr Mathison) told the annual meeting of the Royal New Zealand Aero Club today. He said it was Important in view of this policy for clubs to maintain a close watch on the efficiency of their ■ organisations and certainly not to over-equip to the extent that aircraft used fell below a realistic and economic level. i “Without good housekeeping the value of the subsidy granted will be lost,” he said, adding that subsidy paid in the year ended March 31, 1960. amounted to £23,640; but late claims and settlements would probably bring the figure to £27,000. Re-equipment with modern aircraft in recent years would, no doubt, have enabled some economies to be achieved, but, what was more Important, realistic training could be given. I From the pilot's point of view a greater degree of comfort was provided than was available in the Tiger Moths, which were standard equipment immediately alter the war.