DOMINION'S LOSS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21793, 7 May 1934, Page 10

DOMINION'S LOSS

SIR HENRY WIGRAM DEATH IN CHRISTCHURCH GREAT SERVICE TO AVIATION FORESIGHT IN DEVELOPMENT [BY telugkaph —OWN correspondent] CHRISTCHURCH, Sunday Known as the father of aviation in New Zealand, and as a most generous and far-sighted benefactor of the community, Sir Henry Francis Wigrani, for more than 50 years a resident of Christchurch, died at his home in Park Terrace early this morning after a week's illness.

Sir Henry, who was 77 years of age, was first Mayor of Greater Christchurch, a member of the Legislative Council for 17 years, prime mover in the founding of New Zealand's Air Force, the donor of magnificent gifts to the State, and a strong supporter of many charities in Christchurch. He was a notable figure in the life both of Christchurch and the Dominion.

Sir Henry was born in London in 1857, and was a son of Henry Knox Wif ram, barrister. He was educated at Harrow, and for a few years after leaving school was in the service of the Bank of Engjand, where he gained his early training. For a year he served with a shipping firm in the City _of London, and then, his health breaking down, he came to New Zealand. He visited several parts of the country and finally settled in Christchurch in 1883. Two years later he began his business career in Now Zealand by founding tho old firm of Wigrani Brothers, maltsters and brick makers. For nearly 20 years Sir Henry devotod himself to his business interests, becoming one of the leading business men of the city, so much so that, when the jubilee of the foundation of tho province was celebrated in 1900, he was made chairman of the Memorial Committee. This was his first step into public life, and with it he began his long career of public service and generosity. Interest in Christchurch

As a result of his work as chairman of the Jubilee Committee, Sir Henry took an active part in the negotiations for the amalgamation of the surrounding boroughs with the city, and it was largely because of his wisdom and mediation that they were successfully completed. In 1903 Sir Henry became the first Mayor of Greater Christchurch as it exists to-day. Sir Henry retired from active business life in 1903, when he was appointed to the Legislative Council, a position which he held until he resigned owing to ill-health in 1920. He maintained a close association with the business world, and served on the directorates of several well-known companies, including the Canterbury Seed Company, which he founded in 1887, and of which he was chairman for more than 30 years, the Lyttelton Times Companv, Qf which he was chairman for 30 years, the New Zealand Refrigerating Company, the Christchurch Brick Companv, Ward and Company, and the Canterbury (N.Z.) Aviation Company. He was also president at one time of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce. He remained in the Mayoralty, and as deputy-chairman of the Tramway Board until 1904. Patriotic Efforts Sir Henry had always been keenly interested in questions of defence and, at the time of tho South African War, took a leading part in tho patriotic movement which helped to send the New Zealand contingents to South Africa. Showing great foresight, Sir Henry Wigram was one of the first in New Zealand to appieciato the possibilities of tho uso of aircraft in war time, and several years before 1914 he raised m the Legislative Council the question oi equipping New Zealand with an adequate air force for defence. The question was never taken up by the Government, However, and when the Great War broke out Now Zealand lacked any organisation for the training of pilots or the building of machines. Determined that the Dominion should not lag behind in this important branch of warfare, Sir Henry gained permission from the Government to form a company, known as the Canterbury (N.Z.) .Aviation Company. Limited, for the purpose of training fighting pilots and building machines. The company started work with a capital of £30,000, using part of the present Wigram Aerodromo as a base, Sir Henry being elected chairman, of directors. Altogether, ISO pilots were trained and sen t to England by the company. In addition, 10 machines were built in Canterbury, and by tin; end of the war there was an up-to-date fleet at tho aerodrome under the command of Colonel Bettington, who had been sent out to take charge by tho Imperial Government.

Purchase of Aerodrome

In 1921 Sir Henry's liopcs of a national aerial defence force were realised by the purchase by the Government of the aerodrome and equipment. Sir Henry himself contributed the sum of £IO,OOO toward the purchase money. Eleven years later, in 1932, he added to this maguificent gift the sift of SI acres of land adjoining the existing landing ground, which addition made the aerodrome one of the finest in Australia or New Zealand, As a tribute to his work in forming the Canterbury Aviation Company, and for his gift of £IO,OOO to the Government, the aerodrome was given its present title of "VVigram Aerodrome by the Government, and in 1926, in recognition of his great services, not only to aviation, but to the community in general, Sir Henry was knighted in 1920. Sir Henry also strongly supported the private aero club movement in New Zealand, and the formation of the Canterbury Aero Club. At the time of his death Sir Henry was patron of the club, and ho presented to the New Zealand Aero Club tho Wigram Cup, which is competed for annually among club pilots.

PRIME MINISTER'S TRIBUTE

"FINE RECORD OF CITIZENSHIP"

"I am extremely sorry to hear of the death of Sir Henry Wigram, for he was one of the most public-spirited men we have had in Christchurch, and a man for whom I have always had the highest respect," said the Prime Minister, the lit. Hon. G. W. Forbes, when the news of Sir Henry's death was conveyed to him shortly before he left for Wellington last evening. "His work and his very generous gifts, particularly that of the very fine ground which comprises the Wigram aerodrome at Cferistchurch, were indicative of the great interest he always took in Christchurch and its institutions," said Mr. Forbes. "He could always be relied upon to give generous assistance to any movment for the public good that required support. His interest in flying showed his vision and the recognition of tho need to keep abreast of new movements. No one in New Zealand has done more to assist in the development ol' tho air sense in our people. "Sir Henry Wigram was one of our best citizens and a man of whom Christchurch and New Zealand have every reason to bo proud. His death is a great loss to tho community, but he leaves behind a very line record of citizenship."