Rocket Launchings Under Supervision

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30200, 3 August 1963, Page 14

Rocket Launchings Under Supervision

(New Zealand Press A»»oci«tion)

WANGANUI. Aug. 1

Wanganui’s young rocket en<th'i»siasrts have been formally advised they may Are tiheir rockets under the supervision of the Department of Internal Affairs. Andrew Robertson incurred tthe department's displeasure last week when he blasted his toy rocket Apogee off Wanganui airport. The rocket had been im. parted in kitset form. This constituted making explosives, according to the department’s interpneta't.ion of She Explosives Act, 1057. Today, Andrew and the members of a syndicate named Rockets Inc., were informed that an Interna! Affairs Depart ment representative would visit the city between August 13 and August 16. He would supervise the launching o< the boys’ rockets as they used up their remaining fuel capsules. If they did not wish to do this the rockets would have to be destroyed. Rockets Inc. had written to the department protesting against its ruling and requesting permission to continue firings. There are three known rockets in the city—two

:12A>n Apogee models and one smaller unit named Alfred E. Newnan Mk. 1. One of the rocketfirers said tonight he did net think the Department of Internal Affairs was being reasonable, nor did anyone he had spoken to. None wished to break the law, however, and if they had to stofl their ex perimenrs they would do so. ‘ But st does not seem to give a chap mush ensouragement. does it ” he commented.