OVER TIMARU.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18353, 26 August 1929, Page 12

OVER TIMARU.

AEROPLANES ATTRACT ATTENTION. Rapid progress has been made by aviation during the past twenty years, and what was once an adventure, has become the commonplace to many. Great historic flights have linked the world, and in most quarters of the globe regular services are established. Marriages have been performed in the air. and the more up-to-date services of America and the Old Country provide cinema, dining car and wireless concerts above the clouds. In New Zealand, where we are more isolated than other countries, the sense i has been, perhaps, a little slower of development. However, the recent epoch making flights have stimulated the desire to fly among the people of the Dominion —a desire possessed by mankind sitice the days of mythology, i when Icarus supposedly flew with wings of wax from Crete to the Aegean Sea. To-day, flying is a commercial reality—rapid transport, fighting diseases on farms, fires in forests—and aeroplanes are used in all cases ol emergency, as was demonstrated in the recent earthquake disaster, and in cases where doctors have been required without delay in the way-backs of AusAll day yesterday, Timaru residents were attracted by the regular drone of aeroplanes, and many glimpses were caught of the flying birds as they winged their ways across the skies. Hundreds made their way to Washdyke, from whence the planes took off. and the main road was thronged with people, in cars, on cycles, and on Shanks's pony. Early in the afternoon, a "Herald” representative was laken for a flight in one of the two powerful Avro-Avian machines, and enjoyed the privilege of viewing Timaru from the air. There was the thrill of taking off; the ascent, with its accompanying anticipation, and then—sheer enjoyment. A wonderful spectacle lay before the eyes. Below, earth lay like some giant relief map—sea, plains, foothills, and mountains. Beneath, a few seconds later, lay Caroline Bay and the clustered homes of Timaru, with here and there some landmark of interest standing out. Looking out, the traveller of the skies noted many things. The Hydro stood out on the cliffs above the Bay, the tower of St. Mary’s, the dome of the Sacred Heart Church, the Main School set off with its playing area, Oxford Buildings—all were prominent. All too soon, it seemed, the ’plane circled, banked, and flew again over the fields and the freezing works. The square fields, bounded by gorse hedges, and holding great pools of water from the recent rains, made their appearance, the aeroplane circled, gradually swooped lower, made a rapid run across the paddock, and came to a standstill. The flights will, no doubt, popularise flying in this district. It is understood that the flights will be continued during the week, and that surrounding centres will be visited.