CIVIL AVIATION

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18760, 17 July 1935, Page 15

CIVIL AVIATION

N.Z.'S GOOD PROGRESS

NOTED VISITOR'S VIEWS

(Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, this day. Complimentary reference to the Hobsonville air base was made by Mr Harold Catty, the noted navigator, who is technical adviser to the United States Army Air Corps. After inspecting the base, he said il ivas seldom that such an excellent combination of land and water could lie found. It was a line natural site in an excellent .strategical position. The equipment was up to dale, and when the slipways wore completed the place would be sufficient for any aviation development for a considerable, time. "The lack of obstacles is unique," said Mr Gutty. "Even the thigh tension wires have been placed underground. That is an added indication of forethought." Reference was made by Mr Cutty, also, to New Zealand's aero club system, which he described as unique. " ||- von had not established aero clubs, the Dominion would only have had a few owner pilots, aud aviation would not be even as far advanced as it is to-day," he said. in the U.S.A., the only clubs wciv those for owner pilots. ' The ordinary man could not outer aviation until he had sufficient money to pay the expensive fees. The aero club idea in New Zealand was excellent, and the youth of New Zealand was fortunate in what was being done for him. Aviation was bound to make rapid strides in New Zealand. What would stimulate it most was the trunk air services. Once established, they would become indispensable. The same applied to the Tasmau crossing, which was bound to come soon.