AVIATION INTERESTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19932, 28 April 1928, Page 13

AVIATION INTERESTS.

ENTHUSIASM IN AUCKLAND. NEW ZEALAND CLUB REVIVED. THE ELECTION OF OFFICERS. With a nucleus of highly-qualified aviators, an aero club was formed at a meeting of about 40 enthusiasts held in the Chamber of Commerce yesterday. Mr. H. T. Menitt, who presided, stated the old New Zealand Aero Club incorporated by the Walsh brothers in 1911 was still in existence. It possessed the distinction of being the fourth club formed in the Empire. It was stated the rules and constitution of the New South Wales Aviation Club would bo largely applicable to the local cluli. Applications had already been received from .17 aspirants for certificates. Mr. I.'. Mill, owner of the only aeroplane now m Auckland, referred to the low accident rate in private flying, and pointed out that for the charge oi £1 Is a pilot and passenger could liy 80 milps. Since the old Auckland Hying club had languished, progress had been made in all parts of the world, and there was no reason why Auckland should not hold its own in fiying activities. Somo discussion ensued on the title of the new club, preference being given to "The New Zealand Aero Club." It was explained that this was the name of the old club and could not bo assumed uncompromisingly. The formality was solved by a recommendation to tlic committee that the new organisation should bo constituted as a continuation of the former club. It was announced that Mr. K. A. Laidlaw would present an annual cup to the club member qualifying for a certificate in the shortest time. It was resolved to invite the GovernorGeneral to accept the office of patron. The election of officers resulted as follows President, Mr. R. Burns; presidents, Messrs. H. T. Merritt, E. R. Davis, E. H. Davis, C, Rhodes, O. Nicholson, E. C. Huie, L. Walsh, v. Walsh, F. Earl, G. Fleming G. 11. Wilson, W. 11. Wilson, E. H. Northcroft A. S. Bankart, W. Cecil Leys, R. A. Laidlaw, and Sir George Elliot; committee, Major K. Caldwell, Captains E. Dickson, I). E. Harkness, J. Seabrook, and T. R. Bloomfield, Major G. Cowper, and Messrs. W. A. Boucher, L. Cadrnan, G. M. White, C. Burgess, G. Henning, Spencer Mason, D. Mill, and H. Wilson; honorary secretary, Major Lowper; treasurer, Mr. L. W. Swan. MOVE IN CANTERBURY. NINETY PERSONS ENROLLED. [BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION. J CHRISTCHURCH, Friday. A promising beginning with the formation of an aero club in Canterbury was made at a largely-attended public meeting last night. Ninety persons, including two ladies, joined the club immediately. At a subsequent meeting of the committee Sir Francis Boys was appointed chairman and Mr. Norton Ji rancis deputychairman. It was decided to ask Sir Henry Wigram to accept the position of patron.