AVIATION.

Southland Times, Issue 14579, 21 November 1910, Page 2

AVIATION.

A NEW ZEALANDER'S ACHIEVEMENTS. A recent cable message stated that Mr J. Hammond, a New Zealander, was proceeding to Australia with two British biplanes,’ intending to make flights in Australasia. This air-man is a son of the late Mr Joseph Hammond, formerly owner of the Bulls racecourse, and a grandson of Mr Matthew Hammond, of "Killeymoon,” Bulls, Rangitlkei. An English paper states that Mr Hammond is a New by birth, wlio has resided for some y«tt's in yeaford (England). “His mechanical turn of mind,” sayes the paper, "brought him into close contact with aeroplanes, and liis ambition to become a skilled aviator strengthened to action, so journeying to Rheims, he hacl.no difficulty, in proving liis prowess ,to the authorities, who granted him his certificate as Piiote Aviator of the Aero Club of France, which means that lie holds- the highest credentials, and is qualified to fly as a recognised aviator. ... . The extraordinary aptitude for flying which Mr Hammond possesses is clearly manifested by the fact that on his second flight he succeeded in flying across the country for over twenty-five miles, at a height of 2000 ft, on his Sanchez-Besa bi-plane. The public press in France are loud in their praise of the young aviator, haiilng pint as the coming champion of thee bi-plane, for not only at Rheims has he been creating a sensation by his skill and intrepidity, but in Bethany. Vitry. etc. Mr Hammond is the first colonial to pass the authorities as a full-fledged aviator, and holds the record for speed in passing the brevet. He has already been inundated with offers of engagements from all parts of the world, some of which he has accepted.”