MOTUEKA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 6 October 1936, Page 7

MOTUEKA

AERO CLUB ANNUAL MEETING (From Our Own Correspondent) At the annual meeting of the Motueka Aero Club, held in the High School on Monday evening, 20 members were present. Mr S. G. Smith (president) occupied the chair. The annual report and balance sheet were presented and adopted on the motion of the Mayor and Mr P. V. Knapp. THE REPORT The report stated: "During the year the club sustained a severe loss in the death of the late Mr J. M. McCarthy, a foundation member of the club, and who, until the illness which brought about his death, had been closely associated with the work of the committee.

“In the death of the late SquadronLeader M. McGregor, M.C., the club lost another good friend and supporter. ‘Mac’ as he was familiarly known, did much to foster aviation in this district, and took a keen interest in the affairs of the club. To assist the McGregor National Fund, for which a sum of £5,200 has been raised, the club co-operated with the management of the Majestic Theatre in screening a special programme, the proceeds of which amounted to £lO 14s 6d. With other donations, the club was able to forward a contribution of £l3 17s 6d to the National Fund.

“The annual statement of accounts discloses a balance of £23, cash in hand and at the Bank, and a surplus of assets over liabilities of £36. This, in the opinion of your committee, is quite a satisfactory position, and especially when it is remembered that there has been no organised flying activity since December, 1934, subsequently to which the aerodrome license was not renewed, pending the improvements which have since been made by the Public Works Department. In consequence, the only possible function of the club was that of a social organisation. “The social side alone will not bring. members, although it is necessary to sustain the interest of nonflying members, upon whom an aero club depends for a substatnial portion of its revenue. The development of civil aviation, principally in the training of pilots, is the real function of an aero club, and the inducement which prompts public-spirited citizens to make what is virtually an annual donation to the cause of aviation, so assisting a movement which has done more than anything else to development flying in this country. Therefore, where there are no active flying operations, an aero club cannot hope to increase its membership. This is the position in which your club finds itself to-day. The club has had no flying for 18 months — and one new member, bringing the total of enrolled members to 43. Your committee considers that this number should be doubled, and with prospects bright for an active year ahead, it is hoped that the public will assist the club by enrolling' as members. “The second Aero Club Ball was held on 4th July, 1935, and again was both spectacular and successful. The hall decorations and illuminations were very attractive, and the model aeroplane, constructed by Messrs P. V. Knapp, T.F. and L. Kelling, was quite the outstanding feature. “When thfe Municipal Aerodrome is completed, the club will have the use of one of the finest landing grounds in New Zealand, and the subsequent flying activity should be of great value to the club from the viewpoint of .trainee and non-flying members. result of the co-operation of Mr E..-. J. Speight, of the Public Works Department, two grass tennis courts have been laid down on the aerodrome for the use of members of the club, and with other privileges to be offered, there should be no dearth of members once the club begins to function actively.

“In view of criticism by one or two members of the club, your committee would point out that, in the absence of flying operations, consequent upon the work in progress at the aerodrome, the club has been able to do little beyond wait for the aerodrome to be completed. However, the ground should be ready by January, and, therefore, the prospects to-day are even brighter than they were in 1934, when the club had an aerodrome v which was level only in places.” New members elected were Messrs A. A. Newth, W. J. Macintosh, W. Anderson-Smith and M. Fry. Before vacating the chair Mr Smith gave a review of the club’s activities during the past year and elucidated a number of points raised by members. In reply to an enquiry as to the Aero Club’s position in regard to a continuation of the lease of the aerodrome, the Mayor assured the meeting that the club could depend on a fair deal from the Council. Prior to the election of officers the chairman intimated that 'the secretary, Mr A. L. Taylor, did not wish to seek re-election. ELECTION OF OFFICERS The election of officers resulted as follows: Patron, Mr K. J. Holyoake,

M.P.; president, Dr A. R. Green; vice-presidents, Mr R. RichmondMurray and the Mayor (Mr R. J. L. York); secretary, Mr G. Manifold; treasurer, Mr A. J. Tarleton; executive committee, Messrs S. G. Smith, F. A. C. Staig, A. E. Fry, P. V. Knapp, T. Kelling and W. Macintosh; auditor, Mr P. G. Harvey.

On the motion of Messrs Knapp and Smith it was. decided that the annual subscription be £1 Is, reducible to 10s 6d if paid within two months of the annual meeting or within two months of nomination. Messrs Knapp and Kelling moved that an opening day function be arranged, when the aerodrome is ready for use, and that a ball be held on the evening of the opening day. To foster air-mindedness among the young people of the district Mr Murray suggested that the committee consider the formation of a model aero club and with this in view invite the members of the Nelson Model Aero Club to hold their competitions on the Motueka aerodrome.

Mr Knapp explained that a model aero club had been formed some years ago and had functioned for a time but was now defunct, and that the two remaining members had joined the Nelson Club. He felt sure, however, that the Nelson members would be pleased to visit Motueka at any time and thus help to revive interest.

Mr A. E. Fry, in moving that the club place on record its appreciation of the services rendered by Mr S. G. Smith as president, remarked that Mr Smith had worked enthusiastically for the establishment of the aero club and that during his term of office he had piloted the club through difficult times.

It was also decided (Messrs Manifold and Smith) that the appreciation of the club for the valuable services rendered to it by the secretary, Mr A. L. Taylor, be recorded in the minutes. At an executive meeting, held later, Mr Kelling intimated that the Motueka unit of the Legion of Frontiersmen, was prepared to give assistance at the aerodrome, in the way of police duties or in any way the members could be useful. It was decided that a letter of thanks be forwarded to the officer in charge of the unit. It was also decided that the executive meet on the second Tuesday in each month.

RETURNED SOLDIERS’ ASSOCIATION

At the quarterly meeting of the MotupVa Branch of the N.Z.R.S.A., held at Bowers’ Sample Rooms, there was only a fair attendance. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs Jno. Pocklington, Horatio Everett, L. Stanton, and the Rev. J. Bailey. Mr V. R. Davey, vice-president, occupied the chair.

A motion of sympathy with Messrs M. J. and R. Rowling in their recent bereavement was carried in silence, those present standing as a mark of respect. Correspondence was received from headquarters regarding the placement of a portrait of Sir Andrew Russell in the National Art Gallery, Wellington. It was resolved that a donation of £1 Is be forwarded for the purpose. It was decided that the annual gala be held as usual at the Motueka Beach on Boxing Day.

■f Oin the motion of Mr S. C. Davies it was decided to draw the attention of the Government to the present inadequate state of the Defence forces of the Dominion.

Mr V. R. Davey, the Association’s delegate to the Dominion Council meeting, presented a comprehensive report of the proceedings and was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. The secretary reported that subscriptions were coming in steadily and there was promise of a record membership this -year. Other matters affecting the welfare of the Association were taken in committee.

DEFENCE RIFLE CLUB

A trophy match was fired on Satur • day. Because of counter attractions, such as the opening day of other branches of sport, the attendance was not large. Two ranges,. seven shots over 300 and 500 yards were fired, the winner being Rifleman li. Kelling, who is shooting in good form at the present time. He also retained the Painter Feathers. The following are the iscores: —

300 500 Hep. Total Kelling L 34 33 - 67 Calder P 31 32 2 65 Adams A 32 31 2 65 Gledhill R 26 24 5 65 Rowling K 31 28 6 65 Teece F 26 31 5 62 Painter F. 27 30 4 61 Fry G 18 30 9 57