Welcome Home—McGregor and Walker

Manawatu Times, Volume 59, Issue 268, 15 November 1934, Page 8

Welcome Home—McGregor and Walker

A Lone Venturer

Local Centenary Air Race Fliers at Milson Aerodrome in Miles-Hawk Plane

Thousands of People Accord Palmerstonians Fine Reception

vices. There appeared every prospect that in a very short time New Zealand would have air services carrying mails and pussengers between the principal cities from Auckland to Invercargill, and also linking up the Dominion with Australia. It would not be long before New Zealand would have a service carrying mails between Sydney and New Zealand, enabling us to send passengers and mails to and from England. Tho economic position had prevented the Government from doing, all it might have done to aid the progress of civil aviation in New Zealand, but with the advent of better times .he was hopeful that it would be possible for tho Government to do more. He had been successful in obtaining this year some increase in the amount of subsidy to be paid to aero clubs and also in obtaining authority for the purchase of six aircraft for loan to the clubs. Their purchase was an indication that the Government intends to do what is necessary to make up the leeway and place New Zealand in line with other parts of the Empire.

BLUE skies and a crowd of fully 10,000 welcomed Squadron-Leader M. C. McGregor and Mr. H. C. Walker (pilot instructor and club captain respectively to tie Manawatu Aero Club) on their arrival at the Milson aerodrome yesterday afternoon after their participation in the handicap section of the Centenary ai r race from England to Australia, and their outstanding achievement in establishing the world’s light ’plane record over that route. The Miles Hawk low-wing monoplane, resplendent in its aluminium coat was certainly of great interest to the enthusiastic citizens who greeted its arrival, hut the men who piloted it so auspiciously were undouhedly the cynosure of all eyes.

It was anticipated, until a late hour, that Squadron-Leader J. D. Hewett and Plying-Officer C. Kay, in the D.H. Dragon Eapide, would he making a landing at Milson in the afternoon after crossing the Tasman, hut this hope was not fulfilled until 8 p.m., although a large crowd waited anxiously at the aerodrome until 6.30 p.m. in the hope of seeing both the New Zealand entries in the greatest air event the world has known.

From eleven o ’clock in the morning yesterday planes of various sizes and types began to make their appearance at Milson front various parts of the North Island until there were over 30 machines lined up on the ground. And then, from mid-day on throughout the afternoon all roads led to the aerodrome. Hundreds of motor ears churned the highways into a veritable dust storm through which thoso who were on foot and bicycles had to plod vainglorious!}-. By 1.30 p.nt.when the 13 escorting ’planes left tho ground to go and meet the aviators, tho ’drome was a mass of humanity, all eagerly expectant. and on tip-toe of excitement. All eyes were bent towards tne south, and when the escort turned, it was at once realised that the long-awaited moment had arrived.

consideration of safety with commercial utility. “It needed will-power when so near the goal to strain their desire to push on,” the Mayor pointed out. “This they did at the first safe opportunity and landed at Melbourne in time to fill the honoured position of fifth place against all machines. Again, theirs was the . first light plane to finish the course. “In doing this Messrs. McGregor: and 'Walker established a new lightplane record and they have written the] namo of New Zealand—and of the Manawatu—high up in the annals of international flying. What better tribute can you havo than that published in England by The Aeroplane, which dclared: ‘Without detracting from Scott and Black's splendid feat, McGregor and Walkbr’s flight for sheer" pluck, perseverance, endurance and skilful piloting, is unsurpassed in the history of British aviation. McGregor and Walker deserve to be regarded as tho ; heroes of tho race. They knocked 30 per cent, off tho record for a j light ’plane, despite having an j open cockpit and the necessity for frequent landings. In their achievement tho fliers had shown wnat grit and dogged determination, combined "with skill, could do, and not only New Zealand but Manawatu in particular, was proud of their performance. They had shown that they were entitled to be ranked amongst the world’s greatest aviators. ] Mr. Mansford concluded by paying a tribute to Mr. M. 11. Oram, of Pal-, merston North, and those associated with him in conceiving the idea of! having a Manawatu entry in the race. Mr. A. Hopwood, of Palmerston North, also deserved credit for the generous manner in which ho had advanced penses for the club’s entry. Another who was entitled to special mention was Mrs. M. C. McGregor, wife of the splendid Manawatu pilot, who had displayed tho utmost courago throughout the progress of the race and had proved that she possessed the same indomitable

Other Speakers at Reception At the civic gathering held immediately after the pilots’ arrival there were associated with Mr 11. E. Edmunds (president of the Manawatu Aero Club), tho Mayor and Mayoress (Mr and Mrs A. E. Mansford), the Minister for Defence (Hon. J. G. Cobbe), Mr J. A. Nash, M. 8., and members of tho Manawatu Aero Club. Telegrams of congratulations and for unavoidable absence were received from his Excellency the Governor-Gen-eral, Lord Bledisloe, the Prime. Minister, Rt. Hon. G. Forbes; the Minister of Finance, Hon. J. G. Coates; the picsi dent of the N.Z. Aero Club, Mr G. M. Spence, of Blenheim; tho Mayor of Fcilding, and various aero clubs in the Dominion. After tho Mayor and Hon. J. G. Cobbe had extended their congratulations to the fliers, Mr Nash added his tribute and expressed his pleasure at being able to join in tho reception on behalf of the district. Not only m Palmerston North but all over tho Dominion, lie said, people had waited for progress reports about the fliers during the course of tho race, and even in Parliament it had been difficult to prevent members from leaving inoidcr to hear the latest news. Both were deserving of the greatest praise, anil tho speaker expressed the hope that the aviators would get their reward. Mr Nash also added that he hoped the Government would recognise their achievement. The speaker in concluding paid a tribute to Mr M. 11. Oram for his work in proposing tho flight and to Mr A. Hopwood for his financial assistance. The Minister for Defence, he said, had always had the interests of Palmerston North at heart, and as the Manawatu Aero Club required something of importance carried out at a later date, he felt sure that tho Minister would help when this application was made in this regard. I Mr H. E. Edmunds raised a storm of laughter when he said that he would not speak at length “as Mac was anx'ious to talk.” He then briefly extended congratulations on behalf of the club. The day had proved a most exciting one, as it marked the final stages of the great flight, and on such an occasion he wished to thank all who had assisted with the project and the Centenary Air Paco Committee for its untiring activity. “Not a Brilliant Speaker”

.With the sun gleaming from its silver wings, the Miles Ilawk with its superior engine power, quickly outstviped the escort and was compelled to. circle around high above the other machines to allow them to catch up. But all the time the pilots were straining at the leash and when over the Square, Squadron-Leader McGregor, as if unable to constrain himself any longer, broke away in an amazing swoop at the aerodrome. Down came thp Miles Hawk out of the sky till it was only a hundred feet or so above the heads of the cheering crowd. Zooming up again, the piots turned and repeated the performance and then sailed away up into tho blue again to allow the escorting machines to land first.

The ground being clear again, McGregor and Walker slowly descended to make a perfect landing from west to east. They then taxied back towards the hangar and despite appeals through the loud-speaker system to keep behind the many of the onlookers were unable to constrain tnemselves and Tushed across to where the plane had come to rest. Cheer after cheer was raised and the pair had difficulty in reaching the platform from which the official welcome was delivered. Car horns added their quota to the din that was going on.

It must have struck the aviators as they circled for a landing over tho excited multitude what a contrast the Milson ’drome presented to the time (only July last) when they used it for ordinary flights over the city in the course of training operations, and not a soul to watch them return.

spirit as her husband. Mr. Walker’s) parents were also to be commended for their courage, and congratulated ; on tlicir son’s performance. Both the Manawatu pilots had fully justified the confidence placed in them by the citizens of Palmerston North and Manawatu, said Mr. Mansford. Tho Mayor called for cheers for the aviators, these being readily forth- 1 coming, while they were also accorded musical honours.

Maiiawatu Proud of Its Own Aviators

MAYOR EXPRESSES CONGRATULATIONS ON BEHALF OF CITIZENS

Red Letter Day, Says Defence Minister

Before the airmen could reply, cheering broke out afresh and “Mac” was all smiles as he went to tho nucro-

"It is my privilege to express on behalf of the citizens of Palmerston North to our pilots, Squadron-Leader McGregor and Mr. 11. C. Walker firstly, the warmest of welcomes ou their return to our city and, secondly, our heartiest congratulations on their meritorious flight in the recent Centcnn.y air race,” said the Mayor. (Mr. A. E. Mansford.) “Naturally, wo were thrilled with pride to think that our Manawatu pilots had filled fifth place in the greatest air race in the history of aviation, comprising as it did at least 3A of the fastest aircraft in the world; most of these being specially built and costing largo sums of money, with the most skilled pilots in the world at the controls, whilst our prune was the smallest in the race and costing the least. Also, it had open cockpits and, in addition to which, I understand, owing to some hitch in completing the construction of the machine our pilots only had three hours flying in the plane before the commencement of the race. “From the hour that the planes left Mildcnliall in the grey dawn on Saturday, October 20' last, New Zealanders fydlqwed the progress of the pilots with feverish interest. As day succeeded day our interest quickened and excitement was Tunning high when the Miles llawk r with our. own pilots, left Ivocpang and we waited, in anixous suspens’ef until’ weheard that they had landedsafely at Darwin, From then on our excitement- and- prido knew no bounds-for- they had established the sinaiF-f>iaitG~record* flight- frout- England to 'XustrftTia.r'" -»

trip(.frohi"Darwin to Melbourne ' and whilst ihcs'6*“cdndi'tions'' prevented tho pilots from participating in the prize-money it nevertheless demonstrated that above their desire to. push ou was tho first

GOVERNMENT TO HELP AVIATION MORE

Hon. J. G. Cobbe proclaimed the day a red-letter one in the ’history of aviation in New Zealand, when adding his encomiums. Only a month or two ago they had acclaimed Miss Jean Batten; to-day it was the -turn of McGregor and Walker who were to receive praise for an outstanding performance in competition with the world’s best pilots and aeroplanes. That they should have been fifth bespoke skill and courage deserving of highest commendation. Squadron-Leader McGregor could claim to occupy a similar position in New Zealand aviation to what Ivingsford Smith occupied in Australia.

Mr Cobbe then detailed SquadronLeader McGregor’s flying qualifications and said lie had always been regarded as one of the most capable pilots iD the Dominion. Hi 3 performance in the air race put the seal on his reputation as an airman. His companion, Mr Walker, was worthy of equal praise. Their flight for sheer pluck, perseverance, endurance and skilful piloting, had been unsurpassed in the history of British aviation. Their performance had also done a great deal to stimulate aviation in the Dominion. The Dominion, said tho Minister, was now making a forward move with aviation. The work of constructing a chain of landing grounds connecting the principal' cities in New Zealand was well under way, and to date 00 grounds had been inspected and reported upon, 28 had been surveyed, construction had been commenced on 21, and authorityhad been given' for improvements to another 23. The Government was purchasing modern machines for defence purposes and Parliament had recently passed legislation for tho purpose of controlling commercial _ aircraft _ gey

phone. “I wish to thank you all,” he said. “I am not a brilliant speaker so I don’t have to carry notes about with me. Thank you.” (Laughter.) Mr 11. C. Walker, the co-pilot, also expressed pleasure at the reception accorded them on their homecoming to Palmerston North. Personally ho was glad to be back. To all those who had assisted and to tho guarantors for making tho flight possible, ho wished to tender thanks, and this was meant to include all thoso who had stood behind them during the flight. Mr Walker also referred to the warm hospitality and reception they both had received in England. _

surprised the rest of the world, did not surprise those who know them intimately.

Movements at the ’Drome During the afternoon tho Waco ’plane from Wellington and other machines made passenger flights, it not being possible to utilise the Miles Hawke for this purpose as it had not been converted to carry passengers. During tho afternoon, however, "Mac” took the Centenary machine “Manawatu’’ up into tho blue. It still has its racing number (12) on the tail, and created great attention as it swooped low, diving and banking over the cheering crowd. At 20 minutes to six, away from the concourse, "Johnny” Walker donned his helmet and, flying solo, took the club ’plane ZE-ABV up for a trip. I just want to sec what she feels like; it’s a long time since I’ve taken her up,’’ he told a “Times” reporter. Shortly before noon tlicr; was a round of applause when Mr S. G. White, who only reached his home at Havelock North on Tuesday after flying from England to Australia, landed in°his gleaming red De Havi'fland sports machine.

than fulfilled expectations. The Miles Hawk was the only single engined aeroplane in the race.

'Planes Present for the Occasion . Included among the ’planes present for the occasion were those of S. G. White, of Havelock North, flying a De Haviilnnd sports, C-AAJO; Gloster Grebe (Squadron-Leader Findlay), Hawker Tomtit (Flight-Lieut. Somerset Thomas and Aircraftsman .JL Wells), and a Bristol Fighter (FlyingOfficer J. J. Busch and Leading-Air-craftsman W. Ellis), all New Zealand Air Force machines; ZK-ACM (E. Ilaivcy, Auckland), ZK-ACD (Flying-Offi-cer J. Buekcridgc, Masterton), ZK-ABE (A. Buchanan, Masterton), ZK-ADE, the Waco (Capt. G. Bolt, Wellington), ZK-AAV (K. Smith, Wellington), ZlvAAB (E. A. Barker, Hastings), ZKABB (Flight-Lieut. G. Gerrand, Hastings), ZK-ABY (Brown, Hastings), ZK-ACII (E. J. Strachan, Wanganui), ZK-AAV (Flight-Lieut. D. M. Allen, Auckland), ZK-AAA (F. Dix and A. Willis, Blenheim), ZK-ABJ (J. Cane, Masterton), Zlv-ADJ, the Miles Hawke (Squadron-Leader M. C. McGregor and 11. C. Walker, Palmerston North), ZKABD (L. Mangham, Palmerston North), ZK-ABV (R. Linklater, Palmerston North), ZK-ABA (J. Smillie, Palmerston North), ZK-AAN (C. McGaffln, Palmerston North).

Although when the war broke out Mr. McGregor was still at college at the Hamilton High School, and naturally too young to enlist, he left at onco for Auckland, where he learned to fly at the air school conducted by the Walsh Brothers. Two years later he left for England and completed his training, and by 1917 was on active service in Franco at the ago of 21. His fearless flying soon became a byword, and it was not long before lie was selected by Major Bishop, V.C., to join the famous “dare-devil” flight which lie commanded. His distinguished flying won for him the rank of captain and decoration in the nature of tho Flying Cross. New Zealanders are very proud of her two sons who have put up such a remarkable performance, and wish them well.

Something- About the Men Themselves Truly “Kiwis that fly” is a good description of the two New Zealanders, Squadron-Leader M. C. McGregor and Mr. H. C. Walker, captain of the Manawatu Aero Club. Standing Gft. Shi. in height, lean, and with a prominent chin that he has followed right round the world, SquadronLeader M. 0. McGregor, known as “Mac” to the boys, has performed his crowning achievement by breaking tho record for an England-Australia light plane flight. He has the make-up of a sterling airman. Associated with him on this recordbreaking flight was his co-pilot, Mr. 11. C. Walker, tho Manawatu Club captain, who is well known as a popular and consistent winner in the aero pageants held frequently in this country. Ho is a Palmerston North High and Technical School old boy. Mr. Walker’s achievements were of a less spectacular nature, and although his disposition differs widely from that of his friend, they share a common love of adventure, and, being both fine, practical airmen, have constituted a team, which, although it

A “Cheeky Plane” is The Miles Hawk Machine

Aptly described as a “cheeky” little machine, the Miles Hawk cantilever low wing monoplane in which they made their record flight which Palmerstonians saw for the first time yesterday, is powered by a special Gipsy Major motor of 120 horse-power.

Its normal range, with the standard petrol tanks of IS gallons capacity, is 740 miles, but by the installation of extra tanks its range was increased to over 1000 miles. The plane has a ceiling of 20,000 feet, a maximum speed of 155 miles per hour, a cruising speed of 135 miles per hour, and a landing speed of 42 miles per hour. The gross weight loaded is ]SOO pounds, its empty weight .1070 pounds, and its payload 300 pounds. Tho machine has a wingspan of 33 feet, an overall length of 24 feet, a height of 7ft. Sin., and a wing area of 169 square feet. The comparatively small size of the machine aroused comment at Home.

The plane is stream-lined, and the ordinary undercarriage has been replaced by a single strut one. The machine is equipped with dual controls and dual sets of instruments which include compass, airspeed indicator, altimeter, turn and bank indicator, drift indicator, artificial horizon, etc. The machine is also equipped with navigation lights for night flying, and. each pilot had strip maps costing £4O each of the whole course.

MR, 3. C-. WHITE ATTENDS MILSON PAGEANT. In addition to the Miles Hawk fiowu by the Manawatu participants in the Centenary air race, there was another ■plane at Milsou yesterday which attracted more than the usual amount of attention. It was t]ie Moth machine flown by Mr. S. G. White, the young Hawke's Bay airman, from England to Australia in a leisurely solo flight. Ilis return to New Zealand on Monday was unheralded and only his little Moth machine, firmly lashed on the after deck of the Niagara, suggested that the aviator was on the liner. Mr. White is a modest young man and docs not consider his flight as one of any great importance. “It was just a holiday,” he said. “I was not out to break records or anything like that. My original intention was to make a leisurely three weeks’ flight from England to Australia, but owing to various mishaps the trip took six weeks.”

Mr. White, whoso home is in Havelock North, left Hastings High School only in 1925. lie learned to fly in 1930 and when he left for England 19 months ago he had 95 hours’ solo flying lo his credit. In England lie bought his machine second-hand. It is a Gipsy IT. Moth, which was formerly owned by the Hon. Mrs. Montague. It had been flown a fair amount, ho said, in Central Europe, Egypt and even to India.

“I think it was in June that I decided to Hv out from England,” Mr. White said. “Of course, the idea had been at the back of my mind for some time before that. Ever since I learned to fly I have felt like taking on the trip. However, I started making active preparations in June, left England on September IS and arrived at Sydney on November 1. Toward the end of my flight, the air was full of Centenary air race fliers. They arc the fellows who have done something worth talking about.”

Shortly after his departure from England. Mr. White was delayed in France for five days by bad weather. In India he experienced engine trouble which held him up for three days, and in Sumatra he had to take an enforced rest, of .10 days to recover from an attack of malaria.

“Apart from these little misfortunes, the flight was mainly uneventful,” Mr. White said. “I struck bad weather once coming along the coast of Burma. It was the tail-end of the monsoon, with a good deal of patchy rain, and I decided to land at an emergency aerodrome. I was not held up for long.” “For the flight across the Timor Sea the weather was agreeably clear, but there was a slight head wind. However, 1 had ample petrol to make tlio crossing in safety and landed at Darwin with one tank practically untouched. The Customs officials had a look at il and decided to charge me 13s duty for importing petrol into Australia. 1 believe that is the general custom nowadays.”

The dimensions of the machine, which is of a comparatively new type, built at Heading, are almost identical with those of the Moth planes so common in New Zealand. The engine was made by the Do llavilland Company, England, which constructed Scott’s winning twin-engined Comet. The Miles Hawk is a three-seatcr, but was fitted for the race with an extra petrol tank. It was Squadron-Leader McGregor’s intention to have a special thermometer fitted to indicate the temperature of the lubricating oil in the crankcase when in flight, and to drive the engine to the maximum speed consistent with the oil temperature—that is faster in cold climates, and slower cruising speeds when the thermometer gives warning that the lubricating oil is getting too hot in the tropical heat. Though the plane was financed by the Manawatu Aero Club, it was Mr. A. Hopwood who kindly agreed to arrange a bank guarantee sufficient to permit mdnev being available in time for the pilots' departure for England to compete in the race. This guarantee was conditional on guarantees of equal amount being obtained by the club, thus indemnifying Mr. Hopwood for the sum he had made himself responsible for. The Manawatu Centenary Air Race Committee (Inc.) was then formed, this body taking over control of the entry, and the necessary guarantees being forthcoming, local participation in the race was made certain. Much credit is due, too, to Mr. M. H. Oram for the early initiative and enterprise shown in putting forward the proposal and taking practical steps for its fulfilment until the Manawatu Aero Club took over the entry and nominated its two pilots, who, with their courage, determination, and ability, have more

Mr. White left Milson at 3 p.m. for Hawke’s Bay.

His photo and a picture of his machine appear on page 5.