Centenary Air Race.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXIV, Issue 954, 26 December 1933, Page 6

Centenary Air Race.

Dear Sir,—The New Zealand Government lost an excellent opportunity of placing this country on the map aeronautically when it failed to offer a prize for a flight from Melbourne to New Plymouth after the Melbourne Centenary Air Race had been completed. . The arrival in the Dominion of some of the finest and latest machines in the world, and their famous pilots, would give aviation a tremendous boost. But since the Government lias lost this opportunity by its tardiness, it can still ensure that New Zealand is represented in this great international flying race. New Zealand pilots can hold their own with any in the world, and there should be at least one representative of the Dominion amongst the international entry. Flying-Officer H. D. Gilman, of Auckland, has applied to compete in the race, but it seems unlikely that he will be able to obtain a machine. One capable of competing with Americas best—with its 3000 miles range and 190 miles speed—would cost from £SOOO to £6OOO. The running expenses would be very little, as manufacturing firms would no doubt foot the bill for advertising purposes. Thus for relatively small cost New Zealand could be represented. and might have the honour of winning this great race. Mr J. A. C. Allum (chairman of the Auckland Transport Board) has suggested that the Government might be induced to purchase such a machine for air mail purposes, allow it to be entered for the race, and afterwards take it over. The machine would soon repay its initial costs by carrying mail. If the Government is not inclined to purchase a machine, why not a national subscription list? Here is a chance for the air-minded people of the Dominion to show a practical interest in aviation.—l am. etc., PILOT.