AVIATION PROGRESS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22240, 15 October 1935, Page 10

AVIATION PROGRESS

PREPARING THE WAY WORK DONE BY AERO CLUBS A survey of the progress made in aviation development in the Dominion during the past seven years, progress in which the aero clubs of New Zealand had played a very important part, was given by the president of the New Zealand Aero Club, Mr. G. M. Spence, at the annual meeting in Wellington. Seven years ago, said Mr. Spence, there wore absolutely no facilities for the initiation of commercial air services, and no spirit of 'air-mindodness" on the part of the public. Those who started tho aero club movement visualised the day when air services would come, and realised the need for preparation in tho provision of landing grounds, ground equipment, meteorological services, trained pilots, and familiarity in tho public mind with the idea of air travel. All those things had to come into being before any attempt at the provision of regular commercial services could be thought of. The aero club movement had many setbacks, and the difficulties of finance were great, but in spite of discouragements there had been steady progress. "And, I think, we may, without undue conceit, say that most of this progress had been due to the efforts of the aero clubs and this club an their mouthpiece," Mr. Spence added.