MANAWATU AERO CLUB ACTIVITIES

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7179, 28 March 1930, Page 7

MANAWATU AERO CLUB ACTIVITIES

Secretary Appointed PROPOSED GROUND TO BE INSPECTED In the absence of Mr. M. H. Oram, Mr. G. T. Pettigrew, of Feilding, was asked to preside at a meeting -of tho Manawatu Aero Club last evening. Tho object of the meeting was to appoint a delegation to discuss the purchase of a landing ground with Mr. J. Linklatcr, M.P., and also to make arrangements' to meet the Director of the New Zealand Air Force, Major Grant-Dal-ton, who will visit Palmerston, North on April 4 to inspect and report on the site it was proposed to acquire. In making a statement on behalf of Mr. Oram, Mr. A. J. Phillipps explained that the Defence Department was apparently in favour of forming clubs only in certain areas and as a result, it seemed as though that was why in Hawko’s Bay, there was only one club, covering the area between Gisborne and Dannevirkc. Ho himself thought that Palmerston North and Wanganui would havo to advance together, but not necessarily that one should be subsidiary to tho other. An area formerly offered by Mr. Linklater had been viewed rather unfavourably by Major Wilkes, when he was Director and the fact of a machine damaging its undercarriage shortly afterwards did not .improve matters. Mr. Linklater had now offered to placo another ground of 45 to 50 acres at tho club’s disposal and as it was most suitable, tho club should come to some arrangement. After Major Grant-Dalton had inspected tho proposed ground, tho club would bo required to meet tho Borough Council and Chamber of Commerce. Flying activities had been held in abeyance for 12 months and a secretary would be required. Already a limited number of members had paid their subscriptions, and these, ha thought, should bo accredited financial members of the club until March 31, 1931.

Mr. Phillipps then moved that Mr. K. G. Chamberlain bo appointed secretary and this was carried unanimous-

On tho motion of Mr. Pettigrew, Mr. Phillipps was accorded a vote of thanks for tho work ho had devoted to assisting tho club. All who have paid their subscriptions aro to be financial members until March 31, 1931. Messrs. M. H. Oram, G. W. Dixon, R. Linklater, A. J. Phillipps, G. T. Pettigrew, K. G. Chamberlain and Major L. Potter were appointed to meet Mr. J. Linklater and carry on negotiations regarding the ground. Mr. Phillipps stated that 30 or 40 had signed membership forms. The question of a machine would come up as soon as tho site was fixed. The Hon. T. M. Wilford had definitely promised a machine, providing the membership was large enough and an approved ground acquired. This offer probably still held good with the Government.

Mr. W. Anderson stated that since tho last meeting, the necessary legislation had been passed, empowering local bodies to give money towards the purchasing of a ground. On Mr. Anderson’s motion, it was decided to place tho matter before the committee, in order that all local bodies likely to be interested could be approached.

An invitation was extended to members to visit the air pageant in Hawcra in April. Mr. H. G. Pettigrew, w-ho was a flying officer during tho Great War, offered to lecture on aeronautics to members interested perhaps once a month, and also to secure a model with which to demonstrate. Tho offer was accepted and a start will be made next month.