NEW MOTH PLANES

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16622, 13 April 1928, Page 4

NEW MOTH PLANES

OTAGO AERO CLUB PASSED OVER A bird without wings is the Otago Aero Club, which came into existence early in 1927, on the understanding that it would • receive tho necessary assistance from the Government. For the past 12 months it lias waited patiently for a sign of official recognition, hut this has not been forthcoming. Instead, members read with dismay last week the announcement that of four aeroplanes which are to be made available to aero rclubs for training purposes, two will be allocated to Christchurch and two to Auckland.

The present position has arisen, apparently, from the fact that some time i n 1927 the. Government issued a statement in which it undertook to assist private aero clubs, when formed, by providing each with a machine for training purposes, and by offering a subsidy for every certified pilot trained by such a club. Prior to the appearance of this statement a number of Otago aviation enthusiasts who had heard rumors of the move decided to be first on the field, and set out to form a- club that would comply with the conditions officially laid down. Thus on January 21, 1927, the Otago Aero Club came into existence, though its organisation was no light task. The club speedily became a sound and perfectly orthodox body, possessing all the necessary qualifications stated to be necessary in order to secure official recognition and assistance. The Otago Aero Club has everything necessary to begin private flying _ in Dunedin save that very necessary thing, an aeroplane. The matter is not to be allowed to rest where it is at present.