CIVIC RECEPTION

Taranaki Daily News, 26 November 1934, Page 7

CIVIC RECEPTION

CENTENARY FLIERS AT RON GOT Al.

MACHINES THRILL WELLINGTON.

By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Nov. 24.

A large crowd gathered at the Rongotai aerodrome this afternoon when the visiting aviators, Squadron-Leader M. C. McGregor and Mr. H. C. Walker, and Squadron-Leader J. B. Hewett and Mr. C. E. Kay, were accorded a civic reception.

The Mayor, Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, in welcoming them, said all would join in welcoming aviators who had represented New Zealand in the air race. It was only after very intensive efforts on the part of the clubs to which they belonged and through the efforts of others who assisted in the purchase of machines and in meeting the expenses of the flight that they had been able to represent New Zealand. The effort made in the handicap race was extraordinarily fine, and had the elements been a Little more kind it was possible a prize would have been brought to New Zealand by Mr. McGregor. “I wish them every success in their tour throughout New Zealand,” Mr. Hislop added. The Minister of Education, the Hon. S. G. Smith, extended a welcome on behalf of the Government.

The replies of the aviators were typically brief. “Thank you very much for your reception to-day; it is appreciated,” said Mr. McGregor. B. Hewett said they all felt very proud to represent New Zealand in the air race. Messrs. Kay and Walker also expressed thanks in similar terms.

After the reception the crowd was entertained by a flying display in which eight machines participated, including representatives of the Marlborough, Canterbury and Manawatu Aero Clubs. Great interest was taken in the Manawatu Club’s Miles Hawk and Mr. McGregor thrilled the spectators with a daring display of aerobatics. An accident when landing at Wanganui on Friday prevented Messrs. Hewett and Kay from using their machine to fly to Wellington. Two struts were damaged and they came from Wanganui by car to be present at the reception.