Manawatu Evening Standard. MONDAY, OCT. 29, 1934. A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 284, 29 October 1934, Page 6

Manawatu Evening Standard. MONDAY, OCT. 29, 1934. A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT

Plying a light aeroplane in the handicap section of the Melbourne Centenary Air Race, Squadron-Leader McGregor and Mr H. C. Walker, of the Manawatu Aero Club, have recorded an achievement that is only overshadowed by the huge machines which, participating in the speed event, reached Melbourne before them. None the less, the brilliance of their performance in shattering the Eng-land-Darwin record for light aeroplanes by covering the distance in 5 days 15 hours 8 minutes has been speedily recognised. Though the giant machines that annihilated the distance between England and Australia had most attention focussed upon them as the race progressed, there was some attention for the smaller aeroplanes which were steadily winging their way across Europe and Asia to their goal in the Southern Hemisphere. On Monday last the representative of the Australian Press Association in London remarked in a cable message that the performances of some of the smaller air craft in the race would, in other circumstances, be regarded as extraordinary. Notably was this the case with Messrs McGregor and Walker, who “are flying one of the smallest machines in the race, one of the few in which open cockpits expose the pilots to the elements.” _ A splendid start and good flying over the initial stages gave the Manawatu men an advantage over their fellow _ competitors which they maintained to Darwin and thence down to Newcastle Waters. Then, on the way to Cloncurry they .met with adverse conditions which compelled them to halt at Brunette Downs, which is not a scheduled stopping place, and if the Darwin message is correct they have by an unfortunate circumstance reduced their chance of winning the handicap prize. Even so the merit of their performance will remain. Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, flying alone, recorded a time of 7 days 4 houi's 43 minutes from England to Darwin, and Mr C. T. P. Ulm in his big machine which is not unknown in Palmerston North did the distance in 6 days 17 hours 45 minutes. By more than a day has this last record been smashed, and only the four speed ’planes that reached Melbourne last week have registered a faster time. Messrs McGregor _ and Walker have done splendidly, and have o-iven the Manawatu and Palmerston North prominence which perhaps only those intimately connected with the venture expected. The Manawatu Aero Club’s faith in its representatives has been remarkably sustained. A war pilot. who belonged to a famous British Division—a distinction earned by supreme ability and courage—Mr McGregor’s name is imperishably recorded in the annals of war time flying. Mr Walker has been most convincing as Club captain and as one of the leading pilots among the members. Moreover, he has made a study of navigation and was well equipped in knowledge and temperament to accompany Mr McGregor. The Club provided them with a splendid machine, whose cost . considerably exceeded figures given in some quarters, and moreover equipped it with special instruments so that the fliers would have the utmost in safety in mechanical devices. Naturally, it is hoped that the prize will fall to the Manawatu team, but should the forced stop at Bruiiette Downs rob them of it heir brilliant achievement remains . the justification of the enterprise, pturally, the Club has committed it-

self to a very considerable expenditure, which it is seeking- to meet by an art union, and by voluntary public gifts. It is hoped that the response will be liberal. The flight has given prominence to the Manawatu and this city which cannot be without some benefit, and the Club looks confidently to a generous people to liberally support its art union and to assist if possible with a donation. In the meantime, the city’s congratulations are extended to Messrs McGregor and Walker for their splendid performance.