REMOVAL OF WRECKED ’PLANE

Hawera Star, Volume LII, 31 January 1933, Page 7

REMOVAL OF WRECKED ’PLANE

“LEGALLY WITHIN RIGHTS” HAWERA! AEIRiO- CLUB’S OPINION Commenting on -the statement made yesterday by the district coroner (Mr R. S. -Sage) that the removal of the -'plane which was wrecked in the crash at Pihama on -Sunday was a contravention of the Air Navigation Act, 1931, Mr W. G. Wa’lklcy, secretary of the Hawcra. Aero Club, informed the “iStar” this afternoon that the club had been legally advised that it was quite within its rights in taking such a course. “The dub officials,” said Mr Walkey, “are perfectly satisfied that they acted properly under the circumstances m dismantling and removing the- ’plane and that they were quite within their rights, as the" Act does not prohibit -the removal of a ’plane- after an accident. It merely says that an Order-in-Council may be made to that effect. The club’s solicitors have advised- the club that no regulations have -bepn made, and that the club was legally entitled to take steps to remove the wreckage. “It is imperative,” proceeded Mr Waikley, “that wrecked machine should be dismantled and removed to a place of -safety, as invariably souvenir hunters pilfer parts, and as a large quantity of petrol usually escapes there is always -the danger of fire. In the case in question scores of people- visited the scene very shortly after the - accident and the club’s desire was to prevent possible pilfering. Furthermore, the constable- at Opunake was -on the spot before any attempt was made to dismantle the machine and he took the proper course in raising no objection. The souvenir hunting; which followed the recent crash at Johnsonyille provided a clear case for the necessity of removing valuable parts- -of the ’plane as soon as possible.” When the matter was referred tc Mr. Sage he that the Act made it clear .that a fine -of £SO or three months’ imprisonment could be imposed for removing a ’plane .after ar accident without authority. Though no regulations to- that effect had been issued, the Act left no doubt in liis mind regarding its intention.