SLOW-GROWING WINGS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 521, 26 November 1928, Page 8

SLOW-GROWING WINGS

WHILE it is true that developments in the air are pending—the Government having landed a handful of new planes, while others are on order—it is also true that so far much of New Zealand’s progress in the air has been due to private enterprise. The airplane is still a novel phenomenon to the average New Zealander. But for the spasmodic appearance of our Air Force machines in company with Kingsford Smith, they have rarely been seen outside Christchurch. Such of the country districts as have seen a plane owe their acquaintance therewith to enterprising private flying-men, such as Mr. D. Mill, Mr. Chichester, and Mr. Hall, all of whom have imported their own machines within recent months. That there is a persevering spirit actuating these pioneers was demonstrated by Mr. Hall, who had no sooner wrecked his plane in North Canterbury than he cabled an order for another. More privately-owned planes, including a large machine for Auckland, and others for the aero clubs, are to be landed in the New Year. It is fortunate that, while the Government was pursuing its well-intentioned but over-stressed policy of economy in the air, the flying enthusiasts throughout the country , did not lose touch with developments nor suffer their keenness to be blunted. In to-day’s cables there is an intimation that Canada is setting aside £BO,OOO for the purchase of 70 light airplanes, designed for both military and civil services. To New Zealand, with its policy of buying in ones and twos, this represents expenditure on a colossal scale. Yet it is certainly not extravagance, for we have got beyond the rudimentary stage in which airplanes were luxuries. There are a lot of calls upon the Government; but the cost of a year’s Commissions, necessitated largely by a faulty system and insufficient supervision, would buy a whole flock of planes.