Air Show Proposal

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29401, 31 December 1960, Page 12

Air Show Proposal

The proposal for a show of British and foreign aircraft at Harewood in 1962 should be pursued with vigour, imagination, and speed. The proposal has been made by Mr N. Coleman, liaison officer in New Zealand for the Society of British Aircraft Constructors, which is responsible for the world-famous annual display at Farnborough. The proposed display at Harewood would not be organised by the society; but its co-operation would be invaluable and would certainly be forthcoming if the society was .satisfied that the arrangements were suitable. The society regards a New Zealand show as an excellent idea, with “ Far East consumer interest ”. Apparently Mr Coleman had originally planned the show for Palmerston North, where the world’s first agricultural aviation show in November, 1956, was a great success. However, the limitations of Milson airport, which mean that larger aircraft would have to operate from Ohakea, make Palmerston North a much less suitable venue than Christchurch, with its excellent facilities at Harewood. The co-operation of the Society of British Aircraft Constructors would be obtained only after assurances about provision of space for stands and the control of flying; and no doubt American and other manufacturers would require

similar assurances. Exhibitors would" also want to know if a sizeable contingent of technical experts and prospective buyers would be likely to attend. No time should be lost in getting the proposal on a practical footing if the display is to be held in 1962, ■when a large number of aircraft in the South Pacific area will be due for replacement. The Christchurch City Council airport committee is “ very “ interested ” in the proposal, according to the manager of the Christchurch International Airport (Mr A. I. R. Jamieson), who says that the committee has been thinking of such a show for “ upwards of two years ”. The committee should have no hesitation in trying to organise an event that would make the Christchurch International Airport a centre of world aviation interest. Such a show would provide the very best kind of public relations for the airport, for Christchurch, and "for New Zealand. The City Council should provide a special fund for preliminary inquiries and investigations and say that it would spend a good deal more to secure this benefit for Christchurch. It might be a good idea for the City Council to set up a special ad hoc committee of council representatives and outside persons interested in aviation. The enthusiasm With which a special committee organised the London-Christchurch air race is an example of what can be done.