MRS A. BRUSTAD DEAD.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXIV, Issue 932, 30 November 1933, Page 11

MRS A. BRUSTAD DEAD.

Was New Zealand’s First Woman Pilot.

The death occurred suddenly at the Amuri Hospital, Rotherham, this morning, of Mrs Mary Lucy Aroha Brustad. Mrs Brustad was better

known throughout New Zealand as Miss Aroha Clifford, whose exploits as New Zealand’s first aviatrix are well remembered. Her death followed the birth of her son at the Amuri Hospital two days ago-.' Mrs Brustad, who was twenty-five years of age, was the third daughter of Mr and Mrs

Walter Clifford, of Garden Road, Fendalton. She was born in Wellington and spent part of her childhood in England. On returning to New Zealand she was sent to school at St Mary’s Convent, Colombo Street North, Christchurch, receiving the whole of her education there. Her disposition was one that led her- to answer the call of the out-of-doors, and while in her teens she became keenly interested in alpine climbing and winter sports, spending a great deal of time at The Hermitage, Mount Cook.

Four or five years ago Mrs Brustad turned her attention to aviation, and under tuition at Christchurch she became New Zealand’s first woman pilot. Inspired by Miss Amy Johnson’s flight from England to Australia, Miss Clifford had ambitions of making a similar journey. However, after reaching England she was not able to obtain her father’s consent to the adventure and her plans were not realised. Experience in England.

While in England, she made good use of her time so far as flying was concerned. She spent three months at the de Haviland factory, taking the private ownership course in mechanics. Mrs Brustad also joined the London Aero Club and frequently flew machines from Stag Lane. Later she obtained a machine of her own—a Puss Moth—and made flights to all parts of England. She also spent ten days on the Continent. While abroad she" met Miss Amy Johnson and Miss Winifred Spooner, two leading English women flyers. Returning to New Zealand, Mrs Brustad continued flying until about three years ago. She was the first woman to pilot an aeroplane over Cook Strait and her flight from Wellington to Christchurch on that occasion was her last important venture. in September, 1931, she married Mr Alf Brustad, the well-known Hermitage guide and winter sports tutor. After her marriage Mrs Brustad gave up active flying, although she retained her interest in the welfare of tlie Canterbury Aero Club. A few weeks ago Mr and Mrs Brustad settled in the Waiau district, where they had purchased a farm, intending to make a home there permanently.

The funeral will leave St Mary’s Church. Manchester Street, on Saturday morning.