TASMAN AIR RACE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19945, 1 November 1934, Page 14

TASMAN AIR RACE

LITTLE SUPPORT BY AERO CLUBS

WELLINGTON, October 31

Little support is being given to the proposed trans-Tasman race for England to Australia competitors by the Aero Clubs of New Zealand, the reasons against it being chiefly the lack of ability to afford the financial guarantees and the safety factor, but the clubs are willing to assist an organised tour of the Dominion by visiting aeroplanes crossing the Tasman as a demonstration.

The president of the New Zealand Aero Club. Mr Spence, of Blenheim, telegraphed to the president of the Wellington Aero Club that he had replied to the Prime Minister's inquiry whether the clubs would guarantee £SOOO towards the cost of the transTasman race that the clubs could not do so and were averse to racing on the grounds of safety, but suggested a tour and a collection at the gates towards subsidising the visit costing, possibly, £IO.OOO. any deficiency to be made up by a £4OOO art union. He had made it plain that the clubs could not accept any financial responsibility. The Wellington Club has replied approving what Mr Spence replied to Mr Forbes.

CANNOT BE ARRANGED

Bv Telecrann - Prpss Association CHRISTCHURCH, October 31. The air race across the Tasman, with the leading centenary pilots taking part, cannot be arranged, according to a cable received by the secretary of the Canterbury Aero Club, from Mr D. G. Sullivan, M.P., in Melbourne. Mr Sullivan adds, however, that Messrs Scott and Black would be pleased to visit all important centres with the winning plane. A £SOOO or guarantee would be requirted. The latter suggestion will be considered at a public meeting here tomorrow night.