AN AVIATOR IN AUCKLAND

Evening Star, Issue 15020, 31 October 1912, Page 7

AN AVIATOR IN AUCKLAND

[Special to the Star.] AUCKLAND. October 30. It will be remembered that last year a serious attempt to solve the problem or' the air was made in Auckland, .and that a local syndicate went so far as to import a Far-man machine from the Old Countrv. The attempt, however, was not crowned w : th success, and latterlv the costlv maclune_has been relocated to a storage' shed. Within the past few davs there has arrived in Auckland Mr Claude CVmtnrler. a licensed aviator, and a graduate of Wright brothers' echool. Mr Couturier having ascertained that such an aeroplane existed in Auckland, has entered-into negotiations with the local syndicate, of which Mr Geo. Henning is the principal, to take the machine in hand for the purpose of making it fly- "I have had a look at the machine.' he said to a 'Star' reporter, "and have found that it is all right, The only thing needed is someone with a knowledge of the air to make it tlv. That I can undertake to do, and if the svndicato will allow me, my experience will be placed at their disposal." The visitor displayed his license with the Aero Club of America, and explained that he had come to New Zealand with the idea of ascertaining the possibilities of establishing an aviation school either in the Dominion or in Australia. Hearing in Wellington that a serious attempt had been made in Auckland to secure nights, he Judged that interest must be very keen in these parts; hence his arrival here. Ho thinks that Auckland offers great facilities from a topographical point of view as a field for aeroplanes and for hydroplanes. "U would be quite simple," he said, "to take passengers in a hydroplane and travel with them over tho waters of tho harbor at a height of about 50ft." Mr Conturler also has in mind the possibilities of working up an extensivo display for exhibition time. He is a stalwart man of about 05, and appears to possess great nerve. The proposition is decidedly one of interest both for the syndicate and the public.