GIFT OF AN AEROPLANE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20058, 22 September 1928, Page 12

GIFT OF AN AEROPLANE.

THE HERALD'S DONATION. TASMAN FLIERS PLEASED. FOSTERING CIVIL AVIATION. " A JOLLY STOUT EFFORT." • [BY TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL REPORTER] ROTORUA. Friday. " A jolly good move and a most appropriate gift," remarked SquadronLeader Kingsford Smith on hearing of. the decision of the Herald to present a De Havilland Moth aeroplane to the Auckland Aero Club. He added that the Herald was to be congratulated on its attitude and i had undoubtedly shown itself as the most enterprising newspaper in the Dominion. "It is a pity that other papers could not do likewise in other centres," he said. "It is to be hoped they may do so. It will undoubtedly mean a great 1 boost ' to aviation .n Auckland and the gift will be greatly welcomed by the aero club." Flight-Lieutenant Ulm added his congratulations characterising the gift as " a jolly stout effort." He pointed out that a Moth would cost about £BOO landed in New Zealand. It could thus be seen the gift was really a considerable one. Regarding the.position of civil aviation in New Zealand Mr. Ulm said it was necessary that the public should take it seriously and not treat it as a joke. He was assured there was no fear of that and that flying in Christchurch was regarded quite seriously. " Other cities will be looking on Auckland with envious eyes as a result of this latest development," said Captain Findlay when commenting on the gift. RECEPTION IN AUCKLAND. CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES "GENEROUS PUBLIC SPIRIT." The announcement of the New Zealand Herald's gift to the Auckland Aero Club of a De Havilland Moth aeroplane was exceedingly well received in Auckland yesterday. Citizens in ail ranks of life expressed appreciation of the Herald's spontaneous action, symbolising as it did the awakening air sense of the Dominion. Many congratulations from city and proviuce, and from further afield, were received at the Herald office. Formal acknowledgment of the gift was made by letter from the chairman of the Aero Club, Mr. 11. T. Merritt, as follows : " The committee accepts with deepest thanks your very generous offer to provide the club with an up-to-date Moth light aeroplane. The club recognises in the fullest sense the generous public spirit which has prompted your offer, and I venture to think that it will stimulate public interest and enthusiasm to a degree that a few days ago seemed almost impossible."