AUCKLAND AVIATOR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22211, 11 September 1935, Page 15

AUCKLAND AVIATOR

PLAN FOE PRESENTATION FUNDS TO BUY AEROPLANE DOMINION APPEAL PROPOSED A schemo to collect funds to purchase a small commercial aeroplane for Squadron-Leader J. D. Hewett, of .Auckland, to enable him to gain a livelihood in the profession in which he has had many years' experience, has been launched by the Legion of Frontiersmen in Auckland. An effort is being made to obtain the co-operation of the public and sporting and other organisations throughout the Dominion, with a view to x-aising sufficient money to obtain a suitable machine. About U0 representatives of various organisations in Auckland met at the headquarters of the legion last night to discuss the scheme. Captain W. Palmer, commander of A Squadron, Legion of Frontiersmen, who presided, said that it was felt that an effort should be made to assist Squadron-Leader Hewett, who had sold his aeroplane when he left New Zealand last year to take part in the Centenary air race from England to Melbourne. The aim was to restore him to a position at least as sound as that which he occupied before he took part in the race, and it was desired to obtain for him a machine that could be used in commercial aviation. Mr. Palmer referred to SquadronLeader Hewett's ability and experience as a pilot, and to his other sterling qualities. He said it was a pity that a, man of such worth should be wasted, which he was as long as ho was out of j the profession of aviation, j Encouraging support for the scheme I had already been received, Mr. Palmer j added. A letter had been received from | the donor of the prizes in the Centen- | ary race, Sir Macpherson Robertson, promising his support for any such : plan, and Mr. Ernest Davis, Mayor of | Auckland, had forwarded a cheque for £2 2s. In a covering letter, Mr. Davis said he was pleased to be associated with a movement for the recognition of Squadron-Leader Hewett's performance. Squadron-Leader J. Seabrook mentioned that Squadron-Leader Hewett ; had long desired to operate an air service between Auckland and Whangarei, and said that there was no man better suited to be licensed for this route, as he knew it intimately. A suitable aeroplane for such.a service, to carry a pilot and four passengers, would cost about £2500. Methods of raising the money were discussed at length, and a proposal that supporters of all branches of sport in the Dominion should be asked to contribute Is each found general favour. No definite decision was reached, but a further meeting will be held next month when details will be discussed and a definite scheme adopted.