SPECTACULAR DISPLAY

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 183, 1 May 1933, Page 13

SPECTACULAR DISPLAY

South Island Aero Pageant By Telegraph—Press Association. Christchurch. April 3U. One of I he most successful ami spectacular aviation displays ever held in the Dominion was I lie otlieial South Island pageant of the New Zealand Aero Club, organised by the Canterbury Club and held at Wigram aerodrome on Saturday. Competitions usually of little Interest Io the public were dismissed in the morning,., tlie afternoon being reserved purely for entertainment. A crowd of 5000 on the aerodrome, and nearly as many outside the ground, appreciated this change in organisation. About 30 aeroplanes, including a number from the Air Force, took part in the flying. Practically all the clubs in the Dominion were represented. Spectacular displays of Hying were given by D. M. Allan (Auckland), Olson (Otago t. Gerraml (Hawke’s Bay), ami Smith ( Southland i. Air Force officers gave a demonstra (ion of formation flying which was remarkable for precision and Mr. .Fraser made Ids IS'ith parachute jump. Various minor novelilies in the programme ivn-e niucli appreciated by tlie crowd. The success of Ihe pageant was due largely to Ihe excellent organisation of Mr. Mereer. the Canterbury instructor, ami the helpful co-operation of the Air Force.

The competitions resulted: — Landing for club-trained pilots < tsir I'Taneis Boys Cup): E. Meredith (Western Federated Club). 1: A. E. Willis (Gailborough), 2. Landing, for B license pilots: I. IL M. Keith (Western Federated). 1: .1. Smith (Southland.), 2.