DEVELOPMENT RETARDED

Hokitika Guardian, 13 August 1930, Page 1

DEVELOPMENT RETARDED

CIVIL AVIATION. SEVEN CLUBS RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL. WELLINGTON, August 11. “The development of civil aviation in New Zealand lias been retarded by tlie cost of providing adequate ground organisation, and the difficulty experienced in selecting suitable landing grounds,” states the annual report of the Defence Department. “Local bodies throughout the Dominion, however, now' realise their responsibilities in this direction, and are making strenuous efforts .to provide suitable aerodromes in their own districts. Selected areas on possible airline routes are being constantly examined and classified by Air Force officers. At present there are in the Dominion, apart from the two Air Force stations, seven aerodromes licensed for , the use of light ’planes, aim twelve others in various stages of development.”

The report states that there ar<fourteen aero clubs, of which seven are actively training pilots. Some oi these cM;p have provided their own aeroplanes. Others intend/ to obtain pilot instruction by arrangment with stronger clubs or commercial firms.

Five of these clubs—Auckland, Hawke’s Bay and East Ooapt, Wellington, Marlborough and Canterbury Aero Clubs—have been approved by the Government for purposes of subsidy, and each club, except Wellington, has received two Moth aeroplanes making a total of nine Government ’planes on loan to clubs. The Wellington Aero lOlub will receive a ncooiicl machine when the club has made further progress, lit is not possible to subsidise all the clubs which apply for Government assistance,' and the present intention is to recommend a total of seven aero clubs lor Government grant.

Since tl;o inception ol the aero clubs seventy-six members have received pilot trainin''’ and have C|Uivlified for their (lying cor I ilicntes. During the past year three Moth aeroplanes seriously damaged during phot instruction have been completely rebuilt at Wigram Aerodrome at. Go - eminent expense.

Five clubs subsidised by the Government have held air pageants with the object of raising funds and fostering tbo air sentse ol the general public. In each ease three or four service machines, piloted by Air Force officers, have participated. As yet no civil air linos have commenced operations in the Dominion.