HASTINGS’ EFFORTS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVIII, Issue 233, 14 September 1928, Page 5

HASTINGS’ EFFORTS

TO BRING FLIERS HERE EXCELLENT LANDING GROUNDS. WITHIN FOUR MILES OF POST OFFICE. Captain T. W. White, R.A.F., who was pilot of one of the Bristol Fighter aeroplanes which met and escorted the Southern Cross to Sock' burn on Monday morning, returned to Hastings yesterday, and this morning, accompanied by the “Tribune” editor, he motored around the outskirts of the borough to locate the best landing-place for the Tasman fliers and their escorts, should the effort now being made to get them to come to Hawke’s Bay be successful.

The first place visite-.l was the woolshed on the Maraekakaho-Stort-ford Lodge road, which was at one time used as a shelter for the Aero belonging to the now defunct New Zealand Aerial Transport Company. Not being very much impressed by the conditions there as a landingplace, Captain White motored on towards Paki Paki, and at the bend of the road leading into the straight stretch leading to the township found two extensive level paddocks, either of which would serve the purpose required admirably. The following telegram was at once despatched to Mr George Maddison, Mayor of Hastings, who is at present in Christchurch with the Waratah footballers:— “Please inform Major Wilkes, N.Z. Air Force, that Captain White R.A.F.. this morning at Paki Paki inspected an excellent landing field for the Tasman fliers and their escorts. The clear 'level area is 36 chains by 20 chains, and safest of landings can be made, whatever direction the wind may be. Can arrange full landing staff free of cost.’’ Captain White, who, when flying in France during the war, was personally acquainted with the Southern Cross fliers, says that he was sure they would like to visit Hawke's Pay, for by coming here they knew* they would be helping the cause of aviation in this district. The conditions for living in this part of the province, said Captain White, were identical with those prevailing around Christchurch, and it was rendered perfectly safe, for in the event of a forced landing, it could be made practically anywhere without phvsical risk. Captain White left Hastings by motor at 11 o’clock this morning for Wellington where be will again meet the Tasman fliers on their arrival frem Blenheim. He will leave no stone unturned in the effort to bring them to Hawke's Bay. REPLY FROM MR H. JI. CAMPBELL, M.P. The following reply has been received from Mr. H. M. Campbell, M.P., to the telegram sent vestal* day:—“Have interviewed Premier and Minister of Internal Affairs, both of whom assert that they have nothing whatever to do with the aeroplane tour. All is arranged by touring party and you can only obtain your objective by communicating direct with Commander Kingsford Smith.” Up till publishing time to-day no reply has been received from Mr. George Maddison or Major Wilkes, at Christehunh, to the telegrams sent this morning.