INTERNATIONAL AIR RACE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19670, 12 December 1933, Page 8

INTERNATIONAL AIR RACE

PROPOSAL THAT N.Z. SHOULD ENTER ROTARY TO CONSIDER MATTER By Telegraph—Press Association AUCKLAND, December 11. A proposal that New Zealand should enter an aeroplane for the international race from Zealand, to Australia next year on occasion of the Melbourne Centenary and while the competitors were in Australia the Dominion should offer a prize for a further race from Melbourne to New Zealand was made by Mr T. Lament at the weekly luncheon of the Auckland Rotary Club. Mr Lamont has been absent from New Zealand for two years. Mr Lamont said that before leaving London about five weeks ago. he had met Mr E. C. Cutten and Mr J. A. C. Allum, bo til members of the Club, and they had discussed with Captain Gilman of the Royal Air Force the possibility of New Zealand having an entry in the air-race to Australia. Captain Gilman, a New Zealander who had transferred to the Royal Air Force from the Army, strongly urged the advisability of New Zealand entering an aeroplane for the race, and Mr Cutten and Mr Allum had asked him (Mr Lamont) to make the suggestion to the Rotary Club with the idea of having a fund started to finance the venture. Captain Gilman had estimated that a suitable aeroplane would cost about £5.000 and another £TOO would be required for expenses. “If every person in New Zealand contributed a penny each the money would be raised.” said Mr Lamont. “I think we should raise a little more, and while international fliers taking part in the London—Melbourne Race are still in Australia offer a prize for the best flight from Melbourne to New Zealand. The president promised that the suggestion would be considered by the committee of the club.