AIRCRAFT OUTPUT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22936, 14 January 1938, Page 9

AIRCRAFT OUTPUT

NEW POST CREATED SOCIETY OF CONSTRUCTORS (Received January 13, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 13 A new link between the air industry ajjd the Air Ministry has been provided by the appointment of Mr. Charles Bruce Gardner, from outside the air industry, as, the first executive chairman of the Society of British Aircraft Constructors. It is explained by the society that the requirements of the Air Force programme had resulted in too heavy demands being made on the elected chairman, who also was a manufacturer.

Mr. Charles Gardner, the rationalisation expert, was trained as a mining engineer and played a leading part in the rationalising of the "heavy industries." He was born in 1885, his father being JVJr. Henry Gardner, chairman of the big City of London metal firm of that name. Air. Charles Gardner was engaged by the large engineering firm of John Summers and Sons and remained in their service for many years. One of his great achievements was the doubling of the firm's steel works in one year—a very' remarkable feat in view of the keen competition in the British industry. The company then had a capital of £4,000,000 and was one of the most successful firms of the kind. Under Mr. Gardner's energetic administration its steel works extended until they covered about 60 acres. The company also owned collieries, in the management of which Mr. Gardner took part. Early in 1930 it was announced that under a scheme fostered by Mr. J. H. Thomas, the Minister responsible for the relief of unemployment, the Bank of England had created the Securities Management Trust, to provide the nucleus for rationalising the iron and steel industries. In March Mr. Thomas appointed Mr. Gardner its managing director —a post regarded as the biggest in British industry. Mr. Gardner's'acceptance of the now post required him to relinquish all connection. with individual firms. He had gained the respect and admiration of other leaders of the heavy industries and his selection for a post of such national importance was generally approved in the City.