CENTENARY AIR RACE

Southland Times, Issue 22293, 7 April 1934, Page 5

CENTENARY AIR RACE

NEW ZEALAND COMPETITOR. NO SUPPORT FRQM DUNEDIN. (Per United Press Association.) Dunedin, April 6. No support for the project of entering a New Zealand competitor in the Centenary Air Race will be given in Dunedin. The Mayor, the Rev. E. P. Cox, stated this morning that the matter had been fully investigated, and it was decided that no action be taken. WELLINGTON ATTITUDE PROPOSALS NOT FAVOURED. (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, April 6. Neither the proposal made by the Auckland Aero Club that an appeal should be launched for the collection of up to £lO,OOO to provide the means for a New Zealand pilot or pilots to enter for the England-Melbourne Centenary Air Race nor the suggestion made by the Canterbury Club that a fund should be built up by public subscription or otherwise to make possible the offering of a prize of £5OOO for a continuation of the race across the Tasman Sea has met with support from the Wellington Aero Club, for after a discussion of both proposals, the executive decided to advise the New Zealand Aero Club, through whom advice of the suggestions was received, that the Wellington Club regretted that it did not favour either scheme. In the opinion of the executive, neither scheme would result in as great a benefit to aviation in New Zealand as if the money were spent here directly in one or more of several necessary directions. NOT DISPOSED TO HELP GOVERNMENT’S FEELINGS. (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, April 6. Although Cabinet has yet to consider the proposal, inquries made today in Ministerial circles indicate that the Government does not feel disposed, nor does it feel justified, in using public funds to support the entry of a New Zealand machine for the Melbourne Centenary Air Race. Little hope was entertained of the Government finding any money for the proposal, and it is generally agreed that any funds available could be put to better purpose.