THE AIR PAGEANT

Hokitika Guardian, 21 March 1934, Page 5

THE AIR PAGEANT

HIGH PRAISE

BY CANTERBURY VISITORS,

(Per Press Association Copyright.)

CHRISTCHURCH, March 20.

Prominent officials in aviation circles in Canterbury spoke in high praise of the air pageant conducted at Hokitika on their return to. Christchurch yesterday. Tlie pageant was the first to be conducted by the West Coast Fedex--ated Aero Club, and in the opinion of Mr J. C. Mercer, instructor to the Canterbury Aero Club, was an outstanding success. Mr, Mercer said that he was struck by the great enthusiasm of the West Coast l people, for flying. The spectators at the pageant were most enthusiastic, particularly in th e desire to miake passenger flights. During the day 310 passengers were taken fer flights, many for the first time. Mr W. Machin, jun., aviation officer to the Vacuum Oil Co., wlio also returned to Christchurch yesterday, stated that the pageant, wa,s very well organised, very well run and very well supported. A system of loud-speakers all round the ground kept the.'spectators .fully informed of what riyas happening and what was about tprttooveii. The competitions were runoffwell, and the exhibition flying wa§ every entertaining, particularly some stunting by Mr M. o.‘ McGregor, who was in good flying trim again. IV-. v, . ' Tli’e West Coast Club was generous in its treatment of visiting pilots and spectators, but nevertheless it was anticipated that the pageant would show a good profit.