MR. W. M. O'HARA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22427, 25 May 1936, Page 10

MR. W. M. O'HARA

Regret will be widespread at the fatal crash in Australia of Mr. W. M. O'Hara, the first New Zealandborn aviator to make a solo flight of the Tasman Sea. That perilous adventure was completed successfully only seven months ago. It is the irony of fate that such a supreme test should have been easily passed, only to be followed by disaster at what should have been a routine stage in Mr. O'Hara's latest project. When the pilot landed from his light monoplane at Mangere on October 18, Aucklanders were introduced to a very mode'st but likeable young man. He had not flown the Tasman for fame or the sake of records, but " merely as a means of reaching New Zealand " to vjaifc his mother and other relatives. He deprecated any disposition to make much of his feat and declined to exploit it commercially. If anything was to be made out of his name, then the proceeds were to go in help of returned soldiers, of whom, in spite of his youth, he was one. He served with the New Zealand machinegunners. The Dominion was sorry to part with such a son when he sailed for Sydney barely three weeks ago. Yet there was interest and pride in his plan to circle Australia on his return to Java. For, after all, Mr. O'Hara had capitulated to that inner summons beckoning on to still another adventure. It will be an ill day when our men shrink from and deny that age-old call. Mr. O'Hara did not, and so soon has heard the final summons. His relatives and many friends may be comforted by the thought that his memory will be held in respect and honour.