AIR CRASH VICTIM

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 57, 30 November 1934, Page 12

AIR CRASH VICTIM

Funeral at Wellington

PILOTS’ CONDOLENCES Arrangements have been made for the body of Mr. C. C. Waite, who was killed at the Te Arolia air’ pageant on Wednesday, to be brought to Wellington by rail. The funeral will probably take place on Saturday afternoon, at 2 o’clock.

At last evening's meeting of the Pilots’ and Pupils’ Guild at Rongotai, members stood in silence as a mark of respect to the late Mr. Waite, and the guild will extend its condolences to his w-ife. TRIBUTE TO ABILITY Loss to New Zealand Aviation A tribute to the qualities and ability of Mr. C. C. Waite was paid by Squadron Leader G. L. Stedman, pilot instructor to the Wellington Aero Club, of which Mr. Waite was an exclub captain, and officer commanding No. 2 (Bomber) Squadron, in which he had a commission. “Aviation in New Zealand has lost one of its most valued figures, and one who was a pilot of outstanding ability,” he declared, and recalled that Mr. Waite had secured a license in 1930. He had been a member of the Wellington Aero Club, but so many enthusiasts were seeking tuition in those days that he saw it would take more time than he wished to spend to qualify for his license. He therefore secured a fortnight’s holiday from work and went to Hawke’s Bay, where the in structor had more time to give to each pupil. After 41ir. 20inin. dual instruction. Mr. Waite secured his A license within the two weeks he had allowed himself. In due course he qualified for hit B license, and at the time of his death he had only to undergo the final test in order to qualify for an instructor's license. ' “As an air force pilot he was held in the highest esteem.” Squadron Leader Stedman saiil, "and the reports of his instructors, without exception, have praised his keenness as an office: and his ability as a pilot.”