AERO CLUB FORMED

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 53, Issue 3830, 6 November 1936, Page 7

AERO CLUB FORMED

OTOROHANGA AN AIR-MINDED CENTRE. (Own Correspondent.) As a result of a meeting convened by Mr 0. P. Tristram, an Otorohanga Aero Club was formed on Wednesday evening in the presence of a large gathering of air-minded citizens. Messrs H. T. Morton, president of Te Kuiti Aero Club, and C. Bray, a member, were present to lend their assistance and give practical advice as to the kind of aerodrome required. Mr Tristram conducted the proceedings, and upon his motion, seconded by Mr Rucroft, the Club was launched into existence. The election of officers resulted: Patron, Mr M. J. Hilder; president, Mr 0. P. Tristram; vice-presidents, Messrs A. J. McCready, C. Jackson, J. H. Johnson, S. August, H. G. Corbett, A. B. Mossman, Eric Rhodes, and others. A strong executive committee was formed, and Drs C. H. Bonnington and MacFarlane were elected honorary surgeons to the Club. Mr D. Brunette was elected club captain, Mr A. C. Thompson treasurer, and Mr Brownie secretary. Various prospective aerodromes will be inspected during the week-end, the Club having in view security of tenure and suitability of the landing area for all types of aircraft now flying, and for future possibilities of much larger civil and wartime, aircraft. An ideal site for an aerodrome exists about one and a half miles from the town of Otorohanga. It is situated among beautiful scenic surroundings, but it is understood that the owner does aiot desire an aerodrome on his property. Mr Tristram is a licensed pilot, and holds an endorsed A passenger license. He has had thirty hours’ solo flying experience in New Zealand. He is a native of Hamilton, where his people still reside, and is at present the operator at the Otorohanga Municipal Picture Theatre. His flying experience was gained at the Rukuhia aerodrome.