CENTENARY AIR RACE

Southland Times, Issue 22295, 10 April 1934, Page 5

CENTENARY AIR RACE

NEW ZEALAND CLUB'S ATTITUDE.

SUGGESTIONS NOT ADOPTED.

(Per United Press Association.)

Blenheim, April 9. Mr G. M. Spence, president of the New Zealand Aero Club, stated to night that replies had now been received from the majority of aero clubs with reference to their attitude towards the proposals submitted by the Auckland and Canterbury Aero Clubs in connection with participation by New Zealand in the Centenary Air Race, and the trans-Tasman race on its completion. The Auckland Club proposed that a suitable aeroplane should be purchased by and entered by New Zealand, with New Zealand pilots in the race, the money for servicing the machine to be raised by public subscription, with the possible assistance of a Government subsidy. The Canterbury proposal was that a fund should be raised by similar means for the purpose of offering prizes for a cross-Tasman race with a view to inducing competitors in the Centenary Race to come on to New Zealand and make a goodwill tour of the Dominion. , “The majority of the clubs have voted against both proposals, principally on the grounds that if such a sum as would be required could be raised, it could be put to better use in developing the practical side of aviation in New Zealand and that the advertising value of the schemes proposed would not be sufficient to warrant the expenditure of so large an amount for so little permanent result,” said Mr Spence. “The New Zealand Aero Club, as the representative of the individual clubs, will not therefore adopt either proposal.