OTAGO AERO CLUB.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20705, 1 May 1929, Page 14

OTAGO AERO CLUB.

THIRD ANNUAL MEETING. The third annual meeting of the Otago Aero Club was held last evening in the lecture room, Y.M.C.A. buildings. Flight’ lieutenant R. Hughes presided over a fair attendance, of members. The chairman, in moving the adoption of the report, said that no great spectacular wont had been accomplished in regard to actual flying services, but he could assure members it had not been for the Want of hard work and initiative on the part of the executive, but rather it was owing to unforeseen and hindering circumstances which had arisen from tune to time in the club’s career. Meetings had not been held very often owing to the apparent lack of support and enthusiasm shown by members at meetings earlier in the year and through the executive being unable to place any proposition it had been working on before the members, The position, however, was now much brighter, and a regular course of lectures would be arranged for the, ensuing year, while the ejection of a social committee should assist in bringing members together. The membership was slowly increasing, the roll now standing at 107, including a number of country members. The commit 1 tee had spent some tithe during the" year searching, for a suitable ground, and eventually, with the advice of Captain Fiudlay, of, Sockburn, secured an option over a portion of land at Green Island. The club was under a deep sense of gratitude to Messrs N. and E. S. Paterson and Go. for taking over the administration of the property. The option, with the co-opera-tion of the Otago Expansion League, was eventually taken up through the generosity and public spirit of Mr C. Todd, who had presented the ground to the city author i* ties,, as trustees in perpetuity, for a municipal air port for Dunedin. A start had been made to collect funds to put the ground in > order. The arrangements made to hold a carnival and military tattoo had, unfortunately, been delayed, and, nothing could be done until the spring. It was hoped that the club would be able to commence active operations during next summer. The club was represented at the. civic reception accorded to Commander Byrd towards the end of last, year. The committee specially wished to thank Mr C. Todd, the Otago Expansion League, Mr H. Paterson,' and others whohad given the club every support during the past ,12 months. The greatest stumbling block to the club’s prowess during the year was the absolute lack of air sense and interest shown by the general public in all matters connected with fly-: mg. In spite of all obstacles, the committee had worked hard in the interests of the club. A notable event during the year was the visit to New Zealand of Squadron-Leader Kings ford-Smith with the Southern Cross. Unfortunately, owing to adverse weather conditions, the noted flyer was not able to visit Dunedin. The motion was seconded by Mi W. Wright, and carried. Mr Wright said that when he met Squadron-Leader KingsfordrSmitii nud Flight-Lieutenant Ulm in Christchurch they assured him that anything they could do to assist the Otago Aero Club would be done. - < During the evening the club’s gold badge ,was presented to Mr C. Todd, in' recognition of his services on behalf of aviation. In making the presentation, the chairman, said the club was deeply grateful, to Mr Todd, who had proved, a loyal friend to the organisation in the time of need. Mr Todd, in fact, had been responsible for placing the club on a sound footing, and his kindness would never be forgotten by every member of the club.

MrF. Stunner gave details of a suitable hangar, to house -four aeroplanes at. Green Island. The hangar would be simple in construction, and fireproof, and would suit- the club’s requirement*. An estimate of the cost of erection was in the vicinity of £950. Mr Allan Wilson ■ briefly reported- on a visit to the Marlborough Aero Club. The officials of that club had received him very cordially. His visit had proved most instructive.

Mr P. M'Sktmmiug, of Benhar, forwarded a cheque for 151 Is as a contribution to the .club’s, funds and mem* bership fee.—lt was decided to -write thanking Mr M'Skimming for his generous gift. . . The Nestles Cocoa Company forwarded a cheque for £2 2b, which was apknow* lodged with thanks. The following office-bearers were elected for the ensuing year:—Patrons, Mr C. Todd and Mr W.' B. Taverner, M-P.; 4 vice-presidents—Sir O. E. Statham, .Messrs W. Downie Stewart, T. K. Sidey, M.L.C., E. T. Shand, P, M'Skimming, and T. Faulks; secretary, Mr A; E, Borloy; chairman. Flight-lieutenant R, Hughesground officer, Mr H, Outram; mechanic, Mr J. Algie; medical officer. Dr F. Allan; committee;—.Flight-lieutenant Hughes, Messrs A. E. Borky, H. Outram. G. T. Wright, R, Henderson, J. M. M’Kay, R. Christie. H. El Davidson, I. Millar, G. Watson, and H, Crawford.