NATIONAL WORK.

Wairarapa Age, 27 May 1936, Page 5

NATIONAL WORK.

ACTIVITIES OF WAIRARAPA AERO CLUB. REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL AID. A deputation representing the Wairarapa and Ruahine Aero Club waited on the Masterton Borough Council last night with a request for financial assistance to enable it to carry on its “national and Borough work.” The Mayor, Mr. T. Jordan, promised to give the request earnest consd’ieration at the estimates meeting. After expressing appreciation, on behalf of the club, for help received in the past from the Borough Council, Mr. N. G. F. Whiteman said that the development of aviation in New Zealand had been due to the activities of aero clubs, which had engendered a spirit of airmindedness in the public. He stressed the value to the town of a first-class and well-equipped aerodrome and went on to detail activities of the club, which, he said, could not' be reconciled with the view held in some quarters that an aero club was in the nature of a sports club. The club had been singularly free from accidents, but expenditure on the maintenance of ’planes was a heavy burden to bear. On account of the improvements to the surface of the Hood Aerodrome, the club had lost the grazing rights, which had previously brought in £l5O a year. After the secretary of the club, Mr. H. A. R. Dunderdale, had supported the remarks of Mr. Whiteman, the Mayor said that the estimates meeting of the council would be held next week, when the request would receive earnest consideration. “I am sure,” he added, “that if we can help you we will.”