AVIATION EXHIBITION

Evening Star, Issue 20958, 24 November 1931, Page 3

AVIATION EXHIBITION

ASSISTING THE AERO CLUB FINE DISPLAY AT D.I.G. Throughout tho whole of this week an exhibition of an unusually interesting typo will bo on view on the ground floor of the D.I.C. premises. The exhibition, which takes the form of a comprehensive and attractive display of aircraft models and photographs, is one of a series which, with a view to increasing public interest in fly in", are being staged in various parts of the dominion by tho Shell Company. Tho local exhibition, which has been artistically arranged by Mr A. F. Castle (aviation officer for tho Shell Company) was opened yesterday afternoon by Sir Charles Statham in the presence of a large gathering. Among those in attendance were the mayor (Mr R. S. Black), Mr A. H. Allen (president of the Otago Aero Club), Mr W. F. Forrester (president of the Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Association), Flying-officer Olson, Mr G. J. Errington (Otago Expansion League), and members of the Aero Club executive. Both before and after tho opening ceremony the exhibits set out lor inspection attracted much interest, those present evidently appreciating the remarkable craftsmanship which had been put into tlio models. Early experimental aeroplanes, war machines, and post-war commercial machines were there for all to examine in faithful detail, while memories of epic long distance flights wero stirred by the sight of models of planes in which pilots and owners have made history. All engine parts and flying equipment were kindly lent by Wanaka Motors Ltd. Sir Charles Statham said he would like to sav how'much the club appreciated tho kindness of the D.I.C. m giving the use of its premises in various parts of the dominion for tho staging of these exhibitions. He hoped that the displays would stimulate an interest in aviation throughout Neiv Zealand. The activities of the Otago Aero Club wero worthy of every support they could give them. The Government, as they knew, had no funds at present for helping to develop aviation, but he hoped that the people themselves would do all that lay in their power to strengthen the position of tho club by becoming members. For a great many of them, their active flying daj’s, if they had over experienced any, wore over, but there was nothing to prevent them joining up as honorary members and helping the finances of the club in that ■ way. Sir Charles spoke of the many uses of aviation, referring particularly to the boon of quick transportation in time of emergency. If by any chance the club had to cease operations because of bad times he thought they would have to look upon it as something of a disgface. They should all do their part in keeping it up, because the time might come when there would be services throughout New Zealand, and it would not do for Dunedin to be left behind. He congratulated the club on its activities. (Applause.) The mayor (Mr R. S. Black) spoke of the great advances which had been made in aviation over a comparatively small span of years, and said that he was presenting autographed photographs of Sir Ross Smith and Sir Keith Smith to the club. He told his audience that if they helped the club financially they would be helping to keep Dunedin on tho map. And, truth to toll Dunedin did need keeping on the map. Some people would have to be disabused of the idea that tho best part of New Zealand lay north of Wellington. Tho club had a wonderful ground outside its gates, and whatever they did to keep it would be of assistance to themselves and to the city. (Applause). Mr A. H. Alien (the chib president) returned thanks to Sir Charles Statham and the mayor for the support they had given the club, to the management of the D.I.C. for tho use of their space, and to tlio Shell Company for having staged the exhibition. All this help, ho said, had been given for the cause of aviation. The main purpose of the club was to establish an airport for Dunedin, which was really just as essential to the city as a railway station and a harbour. They had only to look back a little to see what the establishment of tho Union Steam Ship Company bad done for Dunedin, and nobody could tell how much the development of aviation might also mean to this city. Unfortunately, Dunedin had become more or less ostracised as far as a passenger service by sea was concerned. In tho old days, when there was a smaller population than to-day, they had had very efficient services. As a community they could not put up with the present isolation indefinitely, and, personally, lie looked to aviation to help them out of the difficulty. After stressing what could bo_ accomplished by aviation, Mr Allen said the chib had put through twenty pilots who held A licenses, while six pilots had reached tho solo flying stage, and a further eleven wore receiving dual instruction. Aerodromes had boon established in Oamaru and Balclutha, and a start would shortly be made in Alexandra. Tho club was trying to open up the whole of tho province, so that business people could visit any part of Otago and return home tho same day. They would surely agree that the club was well worthy of support. (Applause.) Mr H. L. Paterson (vice-president of the club) announced that, in conjunction with tho_ exhibition, there would bo a competition for model planes, to 1m made by boys. There would bo two prizes—one for the best-built machine and one for the machine which had the best record in actual flight. The winners would be given a free flight in one of the club machines. Each day throughout the. week’s display, the club would also give two free flights to those who were fortunate enough to hold certain tickets. _ The exhibits will be shown in Invercargill next week.