A FLOCK OF ’PLANES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 233, 1 October 1929, Page 7

A FLOCK OF ’PLANES

AUCKLAND AERO CLUB'S TOUR

[ Special “Chronicle” Service ] ■ AUCKLAND, Sept. 29. "here is a possibility that five aeroplanes will take part in the Auckland Aero Club’s organised tour of the southern districts of the North Island starting next Wednesday if weather conditions are favourable. Besides two of the Aero Club’s machines and one private ’plane, there is a possibility of the Government sending one of its machines to join the tour, while it is hopefully expected that the party will be joined later by a Hamilton Airways Moth piloted by Captain MacGregor. The private machine is owned and will be flown by an experienced aviator in Mr lan Horton, who recently returned from England. Mr Horton, who is a son of Mr E. Horton, of Auckland, received his secondary education at Christ’s College, Christchurch, and later left for Cambridge University, where he was prominent in athletics generally, especially rowing. Finishing his education at Cambridge, he entered the Royal Air Force Reserve, in which he went through an extensive training. He recently arrived back in Auckland and is now a prominent flying member of the Auckland Aero Club. He has more than 300 flying hours to his credit. Before leaving England Mr Horton ordered a G»ipsy Moth ’plane, which arrived here by the Tamaroa It has now been assembled at Mangere and will definitely take part in the tour. Aviation Map of Island. The tour has been organised, for the purpose of Stimulating interest in aviation and to map out a chain of suitable landing grounds, which is most essential to the advance of flying in the Dominion. The first landing will be made at Pareroa, and Wednesday evening will bo spent at Te Aroha. On tljo Thursday the flotilla will visit Cambridge and To Awamutu and will return to Auckland on Friday morning, the Auckland Aero Club’s ball being held that evening. Ths tour will be continued again on Saturday and the itinerary provides for visits to New Plymouth, Hawera, Wanganui, Wellington, Hastings and Gisborne. Local bodies throughout the island have responded enthusiastically to the club’s requests for conferences and the inspection of landing grounds. Data is also to bo gathered for the publishing of an aviation map.