MUSICK MEMORIAL

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 10, 13 January 1942, Page 6

MUSICK MEMORIAL

OFFICIAL OPENING

TRIBUTE TO GREAT AIRMAN

(P.A.) AUCKLAND, January 12. The Musick Memorial commemorated the loss of a great airman and his gallant crew—Captain Edwin Musick, of the Samoa Clipper, stated the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, addressing a representative gathering at the site of the recently completed memorial this afternoon. Those . present included the American ConsulGeneral, Mr. Raymond E. Cox, the British High Commissioner, Sir Harry Batterbee, the Minister of Labour (Mr. Webb), local, members of Parliament, and the Mayor of Auckland, Mr. Allum. The ceremony was a simple one, Mr. Fraser turning the key at the main entrance to the building and later speaking in the memorial hall before unveiling a, plaque in honour of Captain Musick and his crew. Mr. Fraser said he had received a message from the United States Government, through Mr. Cox, expressing deep regret that the present conditions had rendered it impossible to send any representative direct from the United States itself to participate in the dedication. The Prime Minister also expressed regret that it had not been possible for Captain Musick's widow to come out from New York. "Everyone present is, I am sure, familiar with the tragic circumstances of Captain Musick's death, which occurred on what would have perhaps been the final survey flight of the Pan-American Airways flyingboat Samoa Clipper four' years.ago yesterday." stated the Prime Minister. "The Government and people of New Zealand identified themselves with the regret and sympathy expressed throughout the world at this tragic occurrence, and the late Mr. Savage expressed the wish that soms permanent recognition should be given to the part played by these American pioneers in the initiation of commercial airlines in this part of- the world." Mr. Fraser said he believed there was no finer airman in the world than Captain Musick.