SIR HENRY WIGRAM DEAD

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 187, 7 May 1934, Page 10

SIR HENRY WIGRAM DEAD

Notable Christchurch Citizen FATHER OF AVIATION IN NEW ZEALAND Dominion Special Service. Christchurch, May 6. Known as the father of aviation in New Zealand and as a most generous and far-sighted benefactor of the community, Sir Henry Francis AVigram, for more than 50 years a resident of Christchurch City, died at his home in Park Terrace early this morning after a week’s illness. The first Mayor of Greater Christchurch. a member of the Legislative Council for 17 years, prime mover in the founding of New Zealand’s air force, donor of magnificent gifts to the State, and a strong supporter of many charities in Christchurch, Sir Henry was a notable figure in the life both of the city and the Dominion. Sir Henry was born in London in 1857, and was a son of Henry Knox AVigram, barrister.! He was educated at Harrow and for a few years after leaving school was in the service of the Bank of England, where he gained his early training. For a year he served with a shipping firm in the City of London, and then, his health breaking down, he came out to New Zealand. He visited several parts of the country and finally settled in Christchurch in ISB3. Two years, later he began his business career 'in New Zealand bv founding the old firm of AVigram Brothers, malsters and brickmakers, with malt kilns at Heathcote and brickyards at Heathcote and Woolstbn. Entry Into Public Life. For nearly 20 years Sir Henry devoted himself to his business interests, becoming one of the leading business men of the city, so much so that when the jubilee of the foundation of the province was celebrated in 1900 he was made chairman of the memorial committee. This was his first step into public life, and with it he began his long career of public service and generosity. He was the first Mayor of Greater Christchurch. Sir Henry retired from active business life in 1903, when he was appointed to the Legislative Council, a position which he held until he resigned owing. to ill-health in 19-0. However, he maintained a close, association with the business . world and served on the directorates of several well-known companies, ineluding the Canterbury Seed Company, which he founded in 1887, and of which he was chairman for more than 30 years; the “Lyttelton Times” Comnany. of which he was chairman for 30 years; the New Zealand Refrigerating Company, the Christchurch Brick Company; Ward and Company, and the Canterbury (N.Z.) Aviation Company. He was also president at one time of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce. Sir Henry remained in the mayoralty and as deputy-chairman of the Tramway Board until 1904. Work for Aviation. Always’ keenly interested in questions of defence, Sir Henry gained permission from the Government to form a company known as the Canterbury (N.Z.) Aviation Company. Limited, for the purpose of training fighting pilots and building machines. The company started work with a capital of £30,000, using part of the present Wigram aerodrome as a base, Sir Henry being elected chairman of directors. Altogether 180 pilots were trained and sent to England by the company. In addition 10 machines were bulit in Canterbury, and by the end of the war there was an up-to-date fleet at the aerodrome under the command of Colonel Bettiagton, who had been sent out to take charge by the Imperial Government. In 1921 Sir Henry’s hopes of a national aerial defence force were realised by the purchase by the Government of the aerodrome and equipment. Sir Henry himself contributed the sum of’ £lO,OOO towards the purchase money. Eleven years later, in 1932, he added to this magnificent gift a gift of 81 acres of land adjoining the existing landing ground, which addition made the aerodrome one of the finest in Australia or New Zealand. As a tribute to his work in forming ♦he? Canterbury Aviation Company ana for his gift of £lO,OOO to the Government. the aerodrome was given its present title of Wigram Aerodrome by the Government, and in 19-6, in recognition of his great services .not only to aviation but to the community in general, he was knighted. In 1926. shortly after this honour was confe.rred on him. he. added to his list of benefactions to the cause of aerial defence by the gift of a fully equipped Gloster Grebe fighter to the Government. Sir Henry also strongly supported the private aero club movement in New Zealand, and the formation of the Canterburv Aero Club. At the time of his death he was patron of the club, and he presented to the New Zealand Aero Club the Wigram Gup. which is competed for annually among chib pilots. PRIME MINISTER’S REGRETS Death Great Loss to Community By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, May 6. “I am extremely sorry to hear of the death of Sir Henry Wigram, for he was one of the most public-spirited men we h;»-e had in Christchurch, and a man for whom I have always had the hignest respect,” said the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. G. AV. Forbes, when the newof Sir Henry’s death was conveyed to him shortly before be left for AA’ellington this evening. “His work and his very generous gifts, particularly that, of the very flue ground which comprises the Wigram Aerodrome, Christchurch, were indicative of the great interest he always took in Christchurch and its institutions. He could always be relied upon to give generous assistance to a movement Cot the public good that required support. His interest in flying showed his vision and recognition of the need to keep abreast of new movements. No one in New Zealand had done more to assist in the development of air sense in our people. Sir Henry was one of our best citizens, and a man of whom Christcinirch and New Zealand had every reason to be proud. His death is a great Joss to the community, but lie leaves behind a very fine record of citizenship.”