THE FIRST GLIDER FLIGHT

Taranaki Daily News, 16 January 1931, Page 10

THE FIRST GLIDER FLIGHT

20 YEARS AGO IN CHRISTCHURCH-

HAWERA MAN WENT SOLO. ! Though it was not until recently that aircraft became quite a common sight in New Zealand, as far back as 1910 a glider was constructed and flown in Christchurch. This was probably the first heavier than air locally-built machine to leave the ground in New Zealand, not the Manawatu Aero Club’s glider, as the’ members of the latter body claim. They were forestalled by 20 years. Cinematograph pictures of aeroplanes had been making their appearance in Christchurch in 1910, so that a band of enthusiasts formed themselves into aelub to construct models and fly them in Hagley Park. Their experiments proved quite successful, though they had no knowledge of aeroplane construction, some of the tiny machines remaining aloft for nearly a minute. Their success with the models prompted the enthusiasts to attempt something more ambitious. They bent their efforts towards the construction of a fullsized glider. In this Mr. G. G. Smith, Hawera, who was not, however, a member of the club, made a solo flight. Mr. Smith told a Daily News reporter that the glider proved every bit as successful as the models. It was used on the Port Hills, down which, it was towed until the wind carried it into the air. The machine was of biplane design, but without wheels. In addition to those towing others would have to take the weight of it and pilot for a few moments before it rose. It would glide gracefully for some distance, attaining heights of 40 feet or. more. The club had in mind the construction of an aeroplane, complete with engine, but when the members saw a. machine they considered that the making of a similar craft would, be beyond them. Mr. Scotland made some flights in an aeroplane from the Christchurch showgrounds, and. there flights proved so popular that an end was put to the activities of the glider club.