CIVIL AVIATION

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 59, 2 December 1933, Page 6

CIVIL AVIATION

Wishes of Aero Clubs

CHANGE IN CONTROL

Plea for Increased Subsidy

The constitution of a separate department of civil aviation was advocated by a deputation from the New Zealand aero clubs which waited upon the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes' and the Minister of Defence, Hon. J. G. Cobbe. last evening. The deputation also sought an increase in tlie amount of tlie present subsidy. Consideration of the points raised was promised by the Prime Minister and Mr. Cobbe.

The deputation was introduced by Mr. S. G. Smith, M.P. for New Plymouth.

The spokesman for the deputation was tlie president of the New Zealand Aero Club. Mr. G. M. Spence, Blenheim. Mr. Spence said the deputation fully appreciated the financial difficulties of the Government and the country, but in view of the difficulties of clubs they felt justified in placing their position before the Government. In a recent letter Mr. Cobbe had stated he could not see his way clear to increase tire subsidy of £2250. Now, however, there was an additional club, making ten in all, there being five in each island. The deputation would like the Government to consider increasing the subsidy by one-ninth. Basis of Subsidy. Another matter the deputation would like consideration given to was the basis of the subsidy for next year. Some of the clubs were operating at a loss. With a limit at preseut of nine trainees per club, the earning powers of clubs were unduly limited. The deputation also felt that the control of civil aviation should be placed exclusively under a Controller of Civil Aviation. At present the holder of that office was also Director of Air Services. The control of civil aviation should be removed from the Defence Department and the channel of communication should be through the Minister in charge of civil aviation. There should be a separate vote for civil aviation. Aviation had reached a stage that warranted a civil aviation department, and from that department the subsidy would be received by the clubs.

The aero clubs were very grateful to the Government for having provided £5OOO for the prosecution of the scheme of emergency landings, but felt that the schema was not being pushed on as rapidly as it might be. If the clubs could be of any assistance to the Government the clubs were prepared to interview landowners in their respective territorial areas. Reply by Ministers. Mr. Cobbe said he was surprised to hear that little had bt*en done with the scheme for emergency landings. His information was that the work had been in hand for some time, and that it was going along quietly. Before appointing anyone to take direct charge of civil aviation it was necessary to go Into matters very fully. The department appreciated the self-sacrific-ing work done by those connected with aviation in this country. Mr. Forbes said it was recognised that emergency landings were very necessary, not only in civil aviation, but in defence aviation. The question raised by the deputation as to civil aviation was a matter that would require looking into. He realised the value of work done by the aero clubs, and the Government wanted to do everything possible to encourage it.