AIR RACE ENGLAND-N.Z. PLANNED: £30,000 IN PRIZE MONEY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22670, 22 June 1948, Page 4

AIR RACE ENGLAND-N.Z. PLANNED: £30,000 IN PRIZE MONEY

(P A.) CHRISTCHURCH, June 22. An international air race from England to Harewood to coincide with the proposed International Exhibition at Christchurch in 1953 is now being planned by the Canterbury International Air Race Committee.

The total prize money for both sections of the race, speed and

handicap, will be approximately £1

:30,000.

The objects of the race are to further public interest and confidence in civil aviation generally, to promote tourist traffic to the South Island and to assist in obtaining world-wide publicity for the International Exhibition. Royal Aero Club Assistance

The Royal Aero Club in England will be asked for its co-operation in the running of the race and the international air safety regulations will be the main guide to the conditions. Sir Frederick Handley Page, noted British aircraft designer who is presi dent of the Royal Aeronautical Society has been consulted about the race and has told the committee that it would serve a useful purpose to aviation generally and British aviation in particular. The scheme has also been discussed with Air Chief Marshal Sir Keith Park who considers the idea an excellent one and has offered to assist

The committee hopes that airline operator will enter standard passenger aircraft in the handicap section of the race and bring visitors to Christchurch for the exhibition.

Plans for the speed section are being considered and it is hoped that entries will include new types of jet-propelled combat aircraft. Members of Committee

The chairman of the committee is Mr. 11. D. Christie, president of the Royal New Zealand Aero Club and the Canterbury Aero Club

Other members are Mr. John Stan nage, who was associated with the late Sir Charles Kingsi'ord Smith in many of his Rights, Mr. J. R. Dench, president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and chairman of the South Island Overseas Air Terminal committee, Mr. H. C. Hurst, past president of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce. Mr. T. H. Langford, public relations officer for the Christchurch City Council; Messrs. W. A. Hopkins and R. J. N. Archibald, executive members of the Canterburv Aero Club, Mr. J. G. Dun stan. president of the Christchurch branch of the Air Force Association, and Mr. S. Jacobs, past president ol the Canterbury Junior Chamber of Commerce.