CLAIMS FOR MANAWATU

Taranaki Daily News, 26 November 1934, Page 7

CLAIMS FOR MANAWATU

AERO CLUB RECOGNITION COMPARISON WITH OTHER BODIES. QUALITY OF PILOTS TRAINED. ACQUISITION OF NEW AEROPLANE. By Telegraph—Press Association. Palmerston North, Nov. 24. Interviewed on the subject of the recognition of the Manawatu Aero Club by the Government, which was discussed by a meeting of the New Zealand Aero Club yesterday, the president of the Manawatu Club, Mr. H. E. Edmunds, explained the position. Some years ago, Mr. Edmunds said, certain clubs were recognised by the Government and formed themselves into a body which became the New Zealand Aero Club. At that time Manawatu, with New Plymouth, Hawera, Wanganui, and Feilding, was a constituent member of the Western Flying Federation group, in which each club retained its individual identity. Manawatu did not find this arrangement satisfactory and withdrew three years ago, purchased its first plane and commenced flying on its own account. Application was made to -the Government for the usual subsidy of £5 granted to clubs for each pilot trained, but in view of. the fact that Manawatu had not been officially recognised by the New Zealand Aero Club this was declined. Repeated requests had been made, as Manawatu was training equally as many pilots as approved bodies, if not more. These pilots, too, proved capable of more than holding their own in competitions. Two established a light, plane record in the centenary air race. Owing to the absence of Government support the club had had an uphill financial fight, but notwithstanding this it purchased another plane, both _ machines being engaged continuously in training work. The club probably would be taking over the Miles Hawk machine from the Palmerston North centenary face committee. The club had never had the loan of a Government machine. Recently application was again made for Government recognition, and consideration was promised provided Manawatu expanded and absorbed a smaller club. Negotiations wefe in progress with the Feilding Club, which signified its willingness to amalgamate subject to suitable arrangements. It had been the policy of the New Zealand club to limit the number of clubs in order to prevent the formation of smalle'r ones, but Manawatu could not be said to come within the latter category. The claims advanced for official recognition of the club were based on its ownership of two Gipsy-Moth planes and the contemplated acquisition of a Miles Hawk plane, the present employment of a fully-qualified full-time instructor, Squadron-Leader McGregor, and Ground-Engineer M. Mangham, the training to date of 38 pilots in the Manawatu and Feilding area and the fact that at least 10 pupils from the area were waiting to commence training. On the ground of training of pilots alone the club was entitled to full Government recognition.