THE AIR RACE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 285, 30 October 1934, Page 2

THE AIR RACE

FINANCING MANAWATU’S ENTRY

SUPPORT OF SPORTS BODIES

With a view to assisting towards the financial outlay entailed in making the Manawatu entry in the Centenary air race, a meeting of sports bodies was called yesterday afternoon to elicit their support in the campaign. Following a discussion of a scheme whereby the bowling, croquet and tennis clubs could assist, it was decided to invite the five local clubs to hold individual tournaments, which are to be known as the McGregor-Walker tourneys. The local golf clube have also promised to assist.

Mr D. F. Smiilie, who presided, in explaining the purpose of the meeting, stated that all now knew what the local competitors had accomplished in the great race. The entry had been made as a sporting gesture with the idea, that, if in any way successful, it would serve as a great advertisement for the Manawatu. Having been a sporting gesture, it had been thought fit to give the local sports bodies an opportunity to become associated with the campaign. The entry had already necessitated the expenditure of £2OOO. and there was the fuel still to he paid for. It had been thought that possibly the bowling, golf, tennis and croquet clubs could hold a special sports day, cither individually or collectively, with a view to raising the necessary funds to meet the club’s obligations. The chairman mentioned that Mr Hart, president of the Palmerston North Golf Club, was unable to be present, but while it bad been intended to close the club’s season next Saturdav, the club would be prepared to hold a special tourney on the succeeding Saturday. Mr A. W. Just considered that it was the bounden duty of the citizens to assist.

Mr P. S. Larcomb asked whether any application had been made to the Government for £SOO, referring to the £SOO given to Miss Jea.n Batten.

SUGGESTED TOUR OF DOMINION. The chairman stated that that aspect had not been overlooked, adding that it was suggested that the Auckland and Manawatu ’planes, on their return to the Dominion, should tour New Zealand. It was anticipated that they would arrive at Auckland on November 6 or 7, and would reach Palmerston North about the 14th. While there was a possibility that the Auckland ’plane would fly across the Tasman, the flight was beyond the Manawatu ’plane with its cruising range of only 1000 miles. Mr Larcomb remarked that he, personally, preferred that each club conduct its tournament separately and he moved that each club be invited to arfange for a tournament, to be held on a day most suitable to the club concerned. He explained that by individual, rather than by concerted, effort, the spirit of friendly rivalry would enter into it.

Mr Just differed, contending that it would he preferable for a gala day to be held by the combined clubs, but it was pointed out no bowling green would be able to present a tournament of the dimensions hoped for. The chairman remarked that it was necessary to strike while the enthusiasm was running high. The art union closed on November 10 and it would be preferable for the efforts to be held on or before that date. Mr J. B. Gerrand suggested that the tournaments be held on different days so that the members of the sister clubs could be attracted to the others’ tourneys. The Manawatu Club, without some outside support, would find it difficult to make an effort worth while. Mr H. Christmas pointed out that the clubs could probably count on the assistance of the country clubs. The chairman: Perhaps we could hold a joint effort on two greens. Mr J. C. Young contended that the field would be widened if each of the five local clubs held bowling and croquet tournaments not later than November 10, the Takaro and Manawatu Clubs to have the right to invite the country clubs, and that the Palmerston North Tennis Club hold an official tournament on its grounds. Air R. H. Spencer stated that he would put the matter before the committee of the Palmerston North Tennis Club, adding that he did not foresee any difficulty in the matter.

Mr AV. J. Croucher, in pointing; out that he did not know what _ attitude the Palmerston North Bowling Club would adopt, said that the meeting-could accept his assurance that the members would assist as individuals.

Mr Just mentioned that the Takaro Club might prefer a mid-week date, and it was decided that the various clubs conduct the tournaments individually on a date most suitable. The entrance fee to the bowling tournaments was fixed at 2s per member,. the clubs to be asked to supply afternoon tea free of charge to the competitors. The Bulls, Feilding. Oroua, AVoodville, Foxton and Levin Clubs are to be circularised inviting them to enter teams. Air A. F. AVimsett remarked that possibly some of the clubs might prefer to make a donation rather than hold a tournament. The chairman stated that the i objective would be attained whichever the club preferred. The chairman thanked those present for their co-operation and mentioned that the Alanawatu Golf Club had promised to hold a tourney for the benefit of the campaign at a later date.

ARRANGEAIENTS FOR TOUR

In connection with the proposal referred to above for the two New Zealand ’planes to tour the Dominion, an Auckland Press Association message says:

Arrangements for a tour of the Dominion to be made by the two New Zealand crews in the Centenary air race with their machines have been finalised. The details were discussed at the week-end by representatives of the New Zealand Centenary Air Race Committee and the Manawatu Aero Club, which were responsible for the entries of Hewett and Kay, of Auckland, and AlcGregor and AValker, of Alanawatu, respectively. Air L. AY. Swan, secretary of the New Zealand committee, said the Auckland crew, wotild telephone Auckland on their arrival at Alelbourne and make final arrangements for their transtasman flight. Originally it had been planned that they should arrive at Alangere about 7 p.m. on Thursday or Friday this week, but the delay at Cloncurry might result in the flight being undertaken at the week-end, with a daytime landing. The Aides Hawk, entered from Alanawatu, would be shipped to Auckland by the AVanganella ,which was due to leave Melbourne to-day and Sydney on November 3, arriving at Auckland on November 6. The tour had been scheduled to commence from Auckland on November 9 and the itinerary which had been tentatively fixed included visits to all the principal centres in the North Island and also calls at Christchurch, Hokitika, and Nelson, in the South IS The total cost of the Auckland entry is in the vicinity of £BOOO and there is a liability of some £3OOO on the guarantors, well-known _ Auckland sportsmen. Mr Swain said it was hoped, however, that this sum would be recovered by the proceeds of the tour.