What a Tragedy!

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 42, 20 February 1936, Page 7

What a Tragedy!

Another Great Loss to Aviation

AERO CLUB PRESIDENT’S TRIBUTE. “What a tragedy,” said Mr. D. F. Smillic (president of Milson Aerodrome, Incorporated) to a “Times” reporter last evening. “One can hardly realise that ‘Mao' has gone to the Great Beyond,” lie added feelingly. “No one outside those w ; ho arc closely associated with flying activities cau lealiso what the loss is to aviation; not only in this district but throughout the whole Dominion. His quiet, unassuming nature and gentlemanly manner made him without a doubt the most likeable and the most popular person iu flying circles. “His whole ambition since he came to this district was to make Palmerston North the centre of commercial aviation in the Dominion, which ambition he realised only five short weeks ago to-day. “The late Squadron-Leader McGregor was one who had great faith iu what the future held for this district in the matter of air services and it was his practical knowledge which considerably helped Milson aerodrome to its present important position. "He visualised Palmerston North’s future importance when, a few years ago, he carried the first Christmas air mail from Palmerst'-u North to Invercargill.

“His appointment as pilot-instructor to the Manavatu Aero Club was undoubtedly the means of making that club so popular among the aspirants for air pilots' tickets and I know full well,” said Mr. Sinillie, “that he earned the full confidence of all his pupils.

“His wonderful flight in the Melbourne Centenary air race was, if 1 may add, the most outstanding of any competitor and it was only through pure misfortune that he and his co-pilot did not carry off the first honours.

“All I can say is that Palmerston North and the Dominion have lost an airman who has by virtue of his ability and characteristic goodness endeared himself to all. Milson aerodrome

will ever be a memorial to this, gallant aviator. Our sympathy goes out to Mrs. McGregor and family.”

“Squadron-Leader McGregor, the third of the world's great aviators to pass away within the past 18 months will always be remembered as the outstanding figure iu the pioneering and development of aviation in New Zealand,” said Mr. K. G. Chamberlain (secretary of the Manawatu Aero Club and Milson Aerodrome Incorporated), in paying tribute to the late airman. “He blazed the early trails and, catching the public imagination and regard, laid the foundations for tho establishment of the air services which have been so successfully inaugurated in the Dominion during- tho past year. “The establishment of the Palmer-ston-Dunedin service was in particular the fulfilment of a dream which he had visualised for many years and it is not easy to estimate the full extent to which he was responsible for the. early efforts and the ultimate carrying into offect of New Zealand’s principal air service. “His indomitable spirit and strength of purpose have been in largo measure responsible for the overcoming of the many difficulties that were inevitable in the launching of this new and important undertaking. “Squadron-Leader McGregor had always realised the fitness of Palmerston North as the northern terminal and converging point of the trunk air services and he leaves behind in _ this national service a fitting memorial to his life's work. “It is tragic that he should not have lived to see its fuller development and future progress.

“Those of us who have been associated with him in local developments and common effort, have been able to fully appreciate the great qualities that have made him a world figure.in-avia-tion and a highly esteemed citizen of .this Dominion,’*