PILOT-INSTRUCTOR HONOURED

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 152, 24 March 1937, Page 6

PILOT-INSTRUCTOR HONOURED

Squadron Leader Stedman Evidence of the esteem in which Squadron Leader G. L. Stedman, who recently resigned from the position of chief pilot instructor of the Wellington Aero Club, is held was demonstrated by tlie large attendance at the farewell dinner in his honour last night at the Royal Oak Hotel. The mayor. Mr. T. C.’ A. Hislop, who is president of tlie club, presided over an attendance of about 70 members.

Proposing the toast of the guest of honour, the mayor paid a tribute to tlie services he had rendered to tlie club and to aviation in general. Since the club’s inception in 1929, said Mr. Hislop, Squadron Leader Stedmnn had acted as instructor, and during the eight years the club had established itself firmly. Squadron Leader Stedman had plaved no small part in bringing it up'to its present standard. It was greatly to his credit that no serious crashes had occurred, and a number of the pilots be had trained had gained Royal Air Force commissions or held responsible positions in commercial aviation. Wellington was losing the best pilot instructor in the Dominion, and no instructor ‘would be so greatly missed bv pilots and members alike. On behalf of the chib, Mr. Hislop presented Squadron Leader Stedman with a suitably-engraved wristlet watch.

.Squadron Leader Stedman thanked the mayor and members for the gift and their good wishes. Songs were sung by Messrs. F. Histed and L. Stapp, the accompaniments being played by Messrs. C. Bennett and L. Rough.