THE AIR RACE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 289, 3 November 1934, Page 6

THE AIR RACE.

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —Returning to Palmerston North after a brief absence it was pleasing to note Mr Larcomb’s letter asking for credit where it was due regarding the local entry in the Air Race. Though bowing to no one in my admiration for Messrs McGregor and Walker’s splendid performance, as New Zealand is well aware, it was Major G. A. C. Cowper, in conjunction with Mr M. H. Oram, who initiated the flight, and without whose push and initiative it could not have been possible. This aspect was referred to in a recent editorial in the Christchurch Sun, which denounced the local Aero Club for its treatment of Major Cowpor, who, more than any other person, was responsible for the founding of the Manawatu Aero Club, and taught its most promising pilots, including Mr Walker, to fly for two years or so, without a single crash. To Major Cowper, also, must be given the credit for initiating the flight, and making possible the purchase of a machine.

Under the circumstances, Messrs McGregor and Walker, with a bare month in -which to learn the intricacies of navigating a ’plane half-way round the world, put up a really great performance. When this meets with its proper recognition locally, sportsmen will look to those responsible for a proper appreciation of Major Cowper’s services to aviation in New Zealand in general and to the Manawatu Aero Club in particular.- —T am. etc., SPORTSMAN.