SOUTH ISLAND AIR PAGEANT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 23 February 1931, Page 6

SOUTH ISLAND AIR PAGEANT

AT NORTH TAIERI ’DROME AN UNQUALIFIED SUCCESS (By Telegraph—Press Association) DUNEDIN, This Day. The official South Island air pageant, with which is associated the opening of the Otago air port, took place at North Taieri ’drome on Saturday in perfect weather. The pageant was inaugurated by a flight in over the city, Jed by Air Director GrantDalton. The pageant was an unqualified success. Tbe weather conditions although a. little bumpy in the morning were favourable for the greater part of the day. Over 10,000 people were present. An excellent programme was given without a hitch or mishap of any kind.

Pilots and machines competing came from all over the Dominion and the following clubs were represented: Otago, Southland, Wairarapa, Wellington, Canterbury and Marlborough, and also the New Zealand Air Force. Oscar Garden was among the competitors. The results of the competitions were: All transport race, first heat —FlightLieut, White. Second heat —Squadron Leader L. Findlay. Third heat —Flying Officer E. L. Olson. Otago Aerial Derby 5 miles, Firstheat —Squadron Leader McGregor. Second heat —Flying Officer J. H. M. Findlay. All transport race (final) —Flying Officer Olson 1; Squadron Leader Findlay 2, Flight-Lieut. White 3. Landing competition—Squadron Leader M. C. McGregor 1. Aerobatic competition Squadron Leader M. C. McGregor and Flying Officer OJson (equal). Otago aerial derby (five miles) final — Squadron Leader Findlay 1; Squadron Leader McGregor- 2; Smith 3. Bombing the baby car—Squadron Leader Findlay 1; Flight Lieutenant White 2; R-. J. Sinclair 3. Formation flights were carried out at intervals and Squadron Leader McGregor and Flight Lieutenant Buckley gave an exhibition of aerial fighting.