GIFT AEROPLANES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 20052, 15 September 1920, Page 6

GIFT AEROPLANES.

THE TIMARU TRANSACTION. [From Our Correspondent.] WELLINGTON, September 14. “Is it correct that a gift of aeroplanes lias been made to a Timaru syndicate?” asked Air AVitty in the House to-day. Tlie member suggested that if this was tlie case tlie Government should assist the Socklftmi Aviation School in the same way, seeing that it did pioneer work at groat expense and taught a large number ot flying pupils. “Tlie machines have not hoen given, nor have they been loaned,” replied Sir Heaton Rhodes, “ There was a recommendation by tlie Air Board, but that recommendation lias not been considered by Cabinet. AVliat lias given rise to tlie rumour that these machines have been lent is that one of tlie promoters of tiie syndicate pointed cut to mo that if the machines were unloaded at Sockburu there was no crane to lift them, and he asked mo if they might be unloaded at Timaru at tlie expense of the company, pending an agreement between tlie Timaru Syndicate and the Air Board. That I consented to. Hie Timanu Company boars the whole cost of Unloading, reloading and storage.” Mr AVitty remarked that the machines could easily have been flown from Sockburn. Air Howard asked a few minutes later if tlie Minister would give the House an opportunity of reviewing any decision. Ho wanted also to know the exact position. “ Hie aeroplanes have been neither loaned nor given,” replied tlie Minister, who, however, said nothing about any possibility of Parliament reviewing the matter.