RECOGNITION OF FEAT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 285, 30 October 1934, Page 7

RECOGNITION OF FEAT.

GOVERNMENT GRANT URGED

QUESTION BY MEMBER FOR PALMERSTON. 1

(By Telegraph.—Special to .Standard.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 29.

An interesting aviation question was raised when the House of Representatives met to-night, Mr J. A. Nash (Palmerston) asking the Prime Minister whether the Government will consider making a grant to SquadronLeader McGregor and Mr H. C. Walker in recognition of the great feat performed by them in being the first New Zealand pilots to arrive at Melbourne in the Centenary air race. Mr Nash pointed out that the previous records for the flight to Darwin were held first by Sir Charles Ivingsford Smith with a twin-engine plane (7 days 4 hours 43 minutes), and Mr C. T. P. Ulm, with a big machine (b days 17 hours 45 minutes), while Messrs McGregor and Walker had covered the distance with a single engine ’plane in 5 days 15 hours, 8 minutes, making a light ’plane record. “I will he pleased to bring the matter before Cabinet,” answered the Prime Minister.

TRIBUTES AT SCHOOLS

CHEERS FOR PILOTS

Stating that Mr H. C. Walker was an old boy of the school, the rector (Mr J. Murray), during assembly at the Palmerston North Boys High School yesterday, mentioned that he could not allow the .achievement of the Manawatu pilots to pass without mention. At his call the school gave three lusty cheers. The rector announced that he had sent the following cable to Mr Walker: ‘School sends three cheers. Congratulations Reference was made to the flight at the Technical School also, of which Mr Walker is an old hoy. His father, Mr J. Walker, ivho is a member of the teaching staff, was yesterday “chaired” into the assembly hall aniidst loud applause.