SOUTHLAND AERO CLUB

Southland Times, Issue 22130, 26 September 1933, Page 7

SOUTHLAND AERO CLUB

ANNUAL MEETING. INCREASED ACTIVITY. The annual meeting of the Southland Aero Club was held last evening, a good attendance of members being present. The president, Mr H. J. Macalister, was chairman. In moving the adoption of the annual report (already published) and balancesheet, the chairman said that the year had been one of marked increase in activity in every sphere of the club’s operations. At the end of last financial year the club had two planes, one of its own and one Government loaned machine, and the revenue from flying wps £773. At the end of the financial year under review the number of machines had doubled and the revenue from flying amounted to £1502. A perusal of the balance-sheet showed that progress had been made, but again a loss had been sustained. Perhaps it was inevitable in the present times, The loss was due to two factors, a shortage of flying pupils and in passenger flights. Learning to fly was still more or less of a luxury and it was a young man’s game. At present the young men the club wanted could not aflord to learn to fly. Reviewing the balance-sheet, the chairman said the club required more social members. A number of new members had been gained, but some old ones had dropped out. It was gratifying to see a large amount gained from flying by A license pilots. This was perhaps due to the fact that the number of A license pilots had increased, while the rates for flying had been reduced. Expenses had increased, but the increase was on a much lower ratio than the increase in revenue. Compared with other clubs, the Southland Club was more than holding its own in the amount of flying done and the amount of flying revenue gained per hour. The assistance given by the Government to aero clubs was at present inadequate. Protests had been made and it was hoped that this year provision would be made on the Estimates for more assistance. Clubs were doing a national work and at present they could not carry on. The chairman also paid a tribute to the work of the committee, the secretary and staff of the club and to Mr S. L. Gilkison, the honorary assistant pilot. He said the year had been free from accident and, indeed, in that respect the club had a unique record. In all its history the only damage done to a club machine was caused through a pupil running into a fence. For that praise should go to Flying-Officer J. M. Smith, the club’s pilot-instructor. Praise was also deserved by the social committee. , Mr D. Cuthbertson, in seconding the motion, said he desired to praise the work of the president. He also referred to the lack of Government assistance and expressed the hope that the present state of affairs would soon be remedied. The report and balance-sheet were adopted unanimously. Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows: Patron, Mr R. A. Anderson; president, Mr H. J. Macalister; vice-president, Mr D. Cuthbertson; committee, Miss D. Paterson, Dr A. Owen-Johnston, Messrs J. B. Thomson, A. P. Finlayson and W. L. Wyber; hon. treasurer, Mr O. G. Gilmour; hon. engineer, Mr F. M. Corkill; hon. auditor, Mr F. A. Webb. It was decided to recommend the committee to make an attempt to gain more junior social members for the club. A tribute was paid to the work of the secretary, Mr J. E. Cuthill.