PIONEERS IN FLYING.
Sir,—-A letter on pioneers in flying recalls to my mind the strenuous efforts, not unalloyed with hardship, cheerfully born by the first enthusiasts of flying in New Zealand, and their scant recognition by the public or Government of,that lime. The first long flight made in New Zealand was-undertaken by Mr. J. C. Mercer, of the Sockburn aerodrome, at one time attached to tbo Mount Cook _ Aviation Company. One day he landed, in a paddock 011 the slopes of One Tree {iill. having flown up from Cnristchurch. He was met by a few friends and a sprinkling of small boys. Some years afterwards another aviator did practically the same thing, landing at Mangere. He whs hailed as a second Lindberg by an enormous crowd, as it was a very creditable performance. The most glaring example of want of recognition is no doubt, the oblivion of the Walsh brothers. New Zeahind pioneers have apparently not too much honour in their own country. Bertbam K. G. Daw eon.
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New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20537, 11 April 1930, Page 14
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168PIONEERS IN FLYING. New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20537, 11 April 1930, Page 14
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