TASMAN AIR RACE

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 33, 2 November 1934, Page 8

TASMAN AIR RACE

Clubs Opposed to Proposal FLIGHT SUGGESTED In reply to the Prime Minister’s query as to whether the club will guarantee the estimated amount of £5OOO toward the cost of a traus-Tasnian air race, Mr. G. M. Spence, president of the New Zealand Aero Club, has telegraphed that the clubs could not do so, and were averse to racing on the grounds of safety. Mr. Spence suggested, however,, that the New Zealand Aero Club and its constituent clubs could organise a tour of visiting aeroplanes and collect gates toward subsidising a visit that might possibly cost £lO,OOO. any deficiency to be made up by a £4OOO art union managed by the aero clubs and any surplus to go to the unemployment funds. No race is to be held, but merely a subsidised demonstration, flight across the Tasman and a tour of New Zealand.

At the request of the Prime Minister, Mr. Spence has telegraphed to the aero clubs asking for their views. “I have made it plain that the clubs cannot accept any financial responsibility, but if the scheme is approved, would do their utmost to make the visit financially successful," ho told the clubs. The Wellington Aero Club has replied that while it approved Mr. Spence’s reply and his suggestion for the financing of the proposed tour, and would give every assistance, it would accept no financial responsibility.