MAYOR’S APPRECIATION.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20298, 7 May 1934, Page 4

MAYOR’S APPRECIATION.

“Citizenship Was a Very Real Thing.”

“The death of Sir Henry Wigram marks the passing of yet another of the respected elders of our people,” said the Mayor (Mr D. G. Sullivan, M.P.) yesterday, “To Sir Henry his citizenship was a very real thing and he regarded it as his duty to promote the welfare of the community by every means within his power. “In addition to having presented the magnificent Wigram aerodrome to the nation, he was a most generous contributor to the Mayor’s Coal and Blanket Fund, the Mayor’s Relief of Distress Fund and other good causes. His high character was universally respected and he was endowed with a wise and disciplined mind that enabled him to render efficient and distinguished service in the fields of national and local politics, in literature, journalism and business. “He took a pre-eminent part in the amalgamation of the old City’ of Christchurch and the surrounding boroughs, and was the first Mayor of Greater Christchurch. As a member of the Legislative Council he was always listened to with great respect Tie loved Christchurch and the people of Christchurch and treasured the memory of its young community experiences, many of which he has recorded for the benefit the future. “The Mayoress and myself on behalf of the citizens offer our sympathy to Lady Wigram, who shared his labours and his love for the community, and trust that in her sorrow she will be comforted by the memory of her husband’s noble character and their happy married life,” concluded Mr Sullivan. “A Valued Friend.” “By the death of Sir Henry Wigram New Zealand hast lost aviation's most valued friend,” said Squadron-Leader J. L. Findlay. “Long before the war when he was a member of the Legislative Council, Sir Henry was alone in realising the important role that aircraft were to play in the future. Everything that he then predicted has since come true, and it is due to his foresight and support that aviation has been kept alive in New Zealand. “He backed Lip his convictions by wise and generous gifts which included a donation of £IO,OOO towards purchasing the Wigram aerodrome by the Government from the Canterbury Aviation Company, the presentation of an tip-to-date fighting machine for the Air Force, a squash-racquets court at the aerodrome, cups for competition amongst aero clubs, and the purchase of still more land to increase the size of Wigram aerodrome. “There are also innumerable instances of personal kindnesses which are known only to the individuals concerned. Sir Henry will ever be remembered by those of us who are intimately' concerned with flying, as indeed by the whole community, as a wise adviser and a most generous benefactor.” “ The late Sir Henry Wigram’s services as a member of the Tramway Board are remembered as well as his services in many other capacities,’’ said the Rev J. K. Archer (chairman of the Christchurch Tramway Board). “ Members of the board will join with the general public in recording their appreciation and also expressing sympathy to Lady Wigram.” The Aero Clubs. “ No organisations in New Zealand are more deeply in Sir Henry Wigram’s debt or realise more fully the value of his services to the country than the Canterburv Aero Club and the New Zealand Aero Club,” said Mr P. R. Climie, secretary of the Canterbury Aero Club and first secretary of the New Zealand Aero Club. “ He has been patron of both clubs since their inception, and the interest he has shown in both has contributed considerably to their success. The clubs, too, becavise of their interest in all aspects of flying, are deeply appreciative of earlier efforts to foster aviation in New Zealand—efforts which were almost solely responsible for the. foundation of the New Zealand Air Force, and for inter-

esting the country, almost against its will, it seemed at the time, in flying. “It was to his generosity that the Canterbury Aero Club owed the use of the land on which its hangar and clubhouse are situated; and the Wigram Cup, which he presented to tne New Zealand Aero Club, has stimulated interest and competition among clubtrained pilots all over New Zealand. The younger generation of pilots who have not known him will remember him by the name of the aerodrome and by the portrait of himself which, at the club’s request, he presented, and which has the place of honour in the clubhouse. “His name is linked with one of the greatest days of New Zealand’s flying history, because it was he who laid the stone on Wigram Aerodrome which marks the spot where the Southern Cross landed after the first flight to New Zealand from overseas. If those actively engaged in aviation, whether for defence or commerce, serve it as well as he supported it, flying will become as big a factor in the life of the country as he wished it to be. Everyone, throughout New Zealand, who is associated in any way with flying, sympathises with Lady Wigram in her great loss.”