NORTH ISLAND AIR PAGEANT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 5 March 1935, Page 2

NORTH ISLAND AIR PAGEANT

“VERY WELL RUN”

MR SPENCE’S TRIBUTE

The president of the New Zealand Aero Club, Mr G. M. Spence, who returned to Blenheim from the pageant on Sunday told “The Express” that the fixture was exceptionally well run and kept a big crowd entertained throughout, this being the result of holding all the formal events before the public were present and concentrating during the afternoon on the more spectacular side of aviation. The proceedings were opened with a parachute descent by “Scotty” Fraser and during the afternoon he made two further descents. Squadron-Leader McGregor was responsible for some excellent stunting in the Miles Hawk which he flew from England in the Centenary race, while an aerobatic contest between Messrs Allan, Gerrand and Buckeridge was very spectacular. In conclusion a mimic air attack was made by ’planes upon a strong post which had been erected in the centre of the aerodrome, the post being assisted in its defence by other ’planes. Many bombs were dropped until finally a direct hit blew the post up. It was all very well done and very enjoyable. Regarding the more formal contests, Mr Spence said Flying Officer Olson’s win in the Gloucester Trophy competition was a most meritorious one, as timing himself from Blenheim, he landed on the Hood aerodrome at the exact moment required. The Bledisloe Trophy, for the encouragement of the younger pilots, was carried off by Reed of Masterton, after a very meritorious display of navigational ability. All five of the North Island clubs competed in this event and the South Island clubs would compete at the Nelson pageant on the 23rd, the final, between Reed and the South Island winner being got off, probably in Blenheim at a later date.

Mr Spence said that in the evening a very successful ball was held, when he presented the prizes. Yesterday morning the Hood aerodrome presented a very busy picture, with some 40 ’planes preparing for departure for all parts of New Zealand. In his own ease, he was chatting with friends on the Masterton aerodrome at 11.15 a.m. and he was in his home in Blenheim at 12.50 p.m.