NEW ZEALAND AERO CLUB

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23528, 17 June 1938, Page 10

NEW ZEALAND AERO CLUB

ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS MINISTER DISCUSSES STATE ASSISTANCE (Peh United Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 16. The annual meeting of the Royal New Zealand Aero Club was held this morning, the president (Mr H. J. Macalister) being in the chair.The annual report stated that it was intended to discuss with the Minister of Defence the possibility of some measure of assistance to general club flying. It was maintained by the council that a pilot who qualified for his licence was at least incidentally fitting himself for service in time of national need, and by virtue of this fact was deserving of some assistance Opening the meeting, the Minister jf Defence (Mr F. Jones) said the relations between the clubs and the Government would remain harmonious. It was very gratifying to him to jee the part civil aviators had taken in relief work, especially about Hastings. One of the present problems was the number of aero clubs coming into being. He thought the conference should consider the question of federations in various areas, which would give them better facilities for dealing with the position. Last year the Government spent over £ 19,000 under its agreement with the clubs. In addition, £12,280 had been paid over by way of loans, and over £4OOO for gift machines. The Government was willing, if the clubs were prepared to bring out more aircraft, to consider the point of obtaining these machines, as they would be available for training purposes in the event of emergency, and that would be all to the good. They had a fairly big bill for service aviation this year, but he wouid consider any point raised, and would conclude an agreement for the next two years if the meeting thought fit. A lot of new equipment was being obtained for the inspection of aircraft, and also for creating a fine technical staff, the Minister continued. This was a very important side of the Air Department’s work. He was determined to ensure the safety of passengers and pilots. The following officers were elected: President, Mr T. E. O’Dowd: vicepresidents, Messrs A. S, Burgess and A. A. McNabb; hon. auditor. Mr T. Forsyth.