AN AERO CLUB

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 300, 19 September 1928, Page 12

AN AERO CLUB

WELLINGTON MAKES A START LYALL BAY LIKELY LOCALITY About 100 men and a few women attended the meeting yesterday called by the Mayor (Mr. G. A. Troup) to consider the question of forming an aero club in Wellington. It was decided to form such a club, and a committee was appointed to investigate and report. The Mayor stated that the visit of Squadron-Leader Kingsford Smith and Flight-Lieutenant Ulm, and other aviators, had stirred the spirit of the community in regard to air flying. Before the arrival of the Southern Cross quite a number of districts in New Zealand had been considering the question of establishing air ports. Auckland and Dunedin had matters on the way, Blenheim had practically secured a site, and in Wellington they had not been altogether idle. He related the position in regard to the Lyall Bay Reserve as disclosed at the last meeting of the City Council, and said that the same party had again visited the site, together with Kingsford Smith and Ulm, and their report was that the area was in every way suitable. The aviators of the Southern Cross had said they could deal there with aeroplanes carrying up to 16 passengers. That was satisfactory from the city's point of view. The ground was unformed at present except for ten acres levelled, soiled, and sown down last year, and which would be ready next year. Little excavation and filling would be required, and it would not be an expensive job. Before submitting definite proposals to the council he thought they might ascertain what support was likely to be forthcoming in the event of the council deciding to go ahead with the work immediately, and make sure that every step taken was a guarantee of security in what they were doing. If it was decided to form a club the first two enrolments would be Mr. W. Burgess (of Inglis Bros.) and Mr. C. Goodall (Karori). Mr. J. N. Wallace asked if the City Council would provide hangars and other equipment. The Mayor replied that in Blenheim the Borough Council had taken the matter up, but what the City Council here would do was for further consideration. The council would consider any proposal. There was a feeling among city councillors that there should be an air port for Wellington. Mr. Lloyd said that there was an aerodrome at Blenheim. A motion by Mr. W. J. Mason that a club be formed, to be known as the Wellington Aero Club, was carried, together with a resolution to open a list at once for the enrolment of members. The question was asked if some indication could not be given as to the probable subscription, as this would influence many in joining. Mr. J. D. M. Foreman said that a club in Lancashire, formed four years ago, had a subscription of £2 25., and honorary members at £1 Is. Mr. Mason suggested that there should be 100 foundation members at £2O each, which would give them £2OOO, and ordinary members at £2 2s. each. The Mayor said it was difiicult to fix subscriptions until they knew what the expenditure was likely to be, but a subscription of £3 3s. at Home should be £5 ss. in New Zealand. He suggested that for the time being they should make membership £5 55., and honorary members £lO 10s. Mr. D. McLaren said there was a large body of people who would like to join as associates in order to encourage aviation in New Zealand. There were even ladies who were interested in the project. Mr. E. P. Crowther urged that Wellington could not afford to lag behind, and it was necessary that they should have a departure as well as a landing ground. Mr. C. T. A. Hislop supported the appointment of a committee to bring down a report as to a tentative scheme. < It was decided to set up a committee on the lines suggested. About eighty put up their hands in response to the Mayor’s request, thereby signifying their intention of joining. The following were appointed the committee: —Messrs. G. D. M. Goodwin, H. G. Lloyd, Hope Gibbons, N. McArthur, S. W. Franklyn, C. T. A. Hislop, and A. J. Salter.