VALEDICTORY

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 October 1939, Page 5

VALEDICTORY

FLIGHT-LIEUT. W. F. PARKE Flight-Lieutenant W. F. Parke, who has been Pilot-Instructor to the West Coast United Aero Club for the past, five years, and who will leave shortly to join the Royal New Zealand Air Foret; was tendered a farewell dinner, under the auspices of the Greymouth Aero Club, al the Albion Hotel, last evening. Mr. T. P. Ryan (president of the Greymouth Club) presided over an attendance of 51 members and guests, including representatives of the Westport, Ikamatua, Hokitika and Greymouth Clubs. Five apologies for absence were received. On behalf of the Greymouth Club, Mr. E. Good (Club Captain) presented Flight-Lieutenant Parke with a barometer, and a set of cake forks for Mrs. Parke. Presentations were also made by Mr. .Neil (vice-president of the Westport Club) and Mr. H. Lawn (president of the Hokitika Club). The Mayor (Mr. F. A. 'Kitchingham), a. past-president and life member of- the Greymouth Club expressed, on behalf of those present, regret at their guest’s departure and wished him success in his future undertakings. He referred to Flight-Lieuten-ant Parke’s excellent qualities and stated that he had always been a tower of strength to the West Coast Club. The following toast list was honoured: —“The King,” proposed by Mr. Ryan; “The Guest” (proposed by Mr: F. A. Kitchingham): “West Coast Aero Chib” (proposed by Mr. M. E. Spiers and responded to by Messrs. D. F. Gemmill and H. Wicks): “Pilots on Active Service” (proposed by Mr. I-I. Rattray and responded to by Mr. C. Heaphy); “Pilots Trained by Flight-lieutenant Parke” (proposed by Mr. L. Wicks and responded to by Messrs. Good. Lawn, Pearson and Molloy). Items.were given by Messrs. A. Airns and E. Boote, Mr. R. Woodhouse being at the piano. Although the clubs have lost their pilot instructor, ground engineer and machines, it is their intention to con? tinue social activities and encourage aviation among the younger members of the community by means of model aeroplane construction and flying and gliding.