STATUS OF AERO CLUB

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21967, 26 November 1934, Page 11

STATUS OF AERO CLUB

MANAWATU'S CLAIMS GOVERNMENT RECOGNITION THE TRAINING OF PILOTS [BY TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION] PALMERSTON NORTH, Saturday Interviewed on the question of the recognition of the Manawatir Aero Club by the Government, which subject was discussed at a meeting of the New Zealand Aero Club yesterday, the president of the Manawatu Club, Mr. H. K. Kdmunds, said that some years ago certain clubs were recognised by the Government and formed themselves into a body which became the New Zealand Aero Club. At that time, Manawatu, along with New Plymouth, Hawera, Wanganui and Feilding, was a constituent member of the Western Flying federation Group, in which each club retained its individual identity. Manawatu did not find this arrangement satisfactory, and withdrew. Three years ago, said Mr. Edmunds, the Manawatu Club purchased its first aeroplane and commenced flying on its own account. Application was made to the Government for the usual subsidy of £25 granted to clubs for each pilot trained, but in view of the fact that Manawatu had not been officially recognised by the New Zealand Aero Club this was declined. Repeated requests had been -made as Manawatu was training equally as many, if not more, pilots than many of the approved bodies. These pilots, too, had proved capable of more than holding their own in competitions, and two established a light aeroplane record in the Melbourne Centenary Air Race. o>ving to the absence of Government support, the club had had an uphill financial fight, but notwithstanding this, it purchased another aeroplane, both machines being engaged in continuous training work, while the club would probably be taking over the Miles Hawk machine flown by Squadron-Leader M. C. McGregor and Mr. H. C. Walker in the Centenary Air Race. The club had never had a loan of the Government machine. Recently application was again made for Government recognition, and consideration was promised, provided Manawatu expanded and absorbed a smaller club. Negotiations were in progress with the Feilding Club, which had signified its willingness to amalgamate subject to suitable arrangements being made. It had been the policy of the New Zealand Aero Club to limit the number oif clubs' in order to prevent the formation of smaller ones, but Manawatu could not be said to come within the latter category.

The claims advanced for the official recognition of the club were its ownership of two Gipsy Moth aeroplanes, and its contemplated acquisition of the Miles Hawk machine, the employment of a full-time pilot instructor, Squad-ron-Leader McGregor, and a ground engineer, the training to date of 38 pilots in the Manawatu-Feilding area., and the fact that at least 10 pupils were waiting to commence training. On the ground of training of pilots alone the club was entitled to full Government recognition.