NEW AEROPLANES

Southland Times, Issue 23026, 21 October 1936, Page 6

NEW AEROPLANES

Loan To Clubs For

Training (From Our Parliamentary Reporter.) Wellington, October 20. Arrangements are being made by the Government for the early purchase of three first-class aeroplanes for loan to New Zealand Aero Clubs. There is a possibility that a fourth machine may be acquired after negotiations with the clubs concerned. The Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones) said in an interview to-day that provision had been made in the Estimates for the purchase of aircraft for loan to aero clubs, which already had done good work in the training of New Zealand pilots. It had been the intention of the Government to acquire four aeroplanes, but at the time the vote was passed by Parliament the type of machine to be obtained had not been determined.

“On going into the question,” the Minister continued, “we found that the Moth type was not being manufactured, and after consultation with expert advisers and the clubs, it was decided that we should obtain the Miles Hawk trainer, which is considered to be the best type for the purpose of training pilots. The cost of this machine, however, is such that the sum available, £4OOO, will permit of the purchase of three machines only. These are being obtained as soon as possible, and it is hoped that an arrangement will be made by which a fourth Miles Hawk trainer will be acquired.”