MATTERS OF THE AIR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 196, 20 August 1931, Page 8

MATTERS OF THE AIR

WESTERN FEDERATION ORGANISATION PROBLEMS. FIRST ANNUAL MEETING. The council of the Western Federated (N. 1. Flying Club decided at its Wanganui meeting last night to set up a sub-committee comprising Messrs A. 8. Burgess (Wanganui), G. R. Spence (New Plymouth), A. J. Phillips (Manawatu), c. Freyberg (Hawera), and D. C. Culinane (Feilding), to investigate club problems with a view to carrying out re-organisation necessary to put the administration, finances and general operations of the federation on a sound and efficient basis. Mr Burgess preH. Oram, A. J. Phillips, K. B. ChamR. Franklin, S. Gibbons (Wanganui), M. H. Oran, A. J. Phillips, K. G. Chamberlain, H. E. Edmunds (Manawatu), McLean (Eeildiug), G. M. Spence, U. Hannan, S. E. Nielson, secretary (New Plymouth), C. Freyberg, W. G. Walkley and Dr. W. F. Buist (Hawera). The matter of re-organised administration was raised by a notice of motion from the Manawatu Aero Club. Mr Oram, in moving the resolution, stressed the urgency oi economising and, to curtail expense as much as possible, every avenue had to be exploited. This could best be done by a sub-committee which, in the opinion of his club, should consist of the chairman (Mr Burgess), and Messrs Gibbons and Walkley. This small centre could meet in the centres and investigate every condition affecting flying in the different areas. The present system of administration was uneconomical, involving as it did, overmuch travelling. Questions to be decided included the settlement of a federation headquakters in a control position and also the desirability or otherwise of keeping a full-time ground engineer when every constituent club possessed men fully qualified to carry out repair and overhaul work. Mr Franklin said tho sub-committee would find the most important factors would be the financial position of the individual clubs and their membership strength. Mr Walkley said the time had come when the federation was faced with stock taking of its position. The principle of investigation as suggested was sound. The personal and representation on the sub-committee was the question to be decided. Dr Buist thought each club should be represented and, on the motion of Mr Franklin the original resolution was amended and adopted in this form. Suggestions from the clubs will be considered and a report presented to the council’s next meeting. The sub-com-mittee will meet for the first time m Palmerston North on Sunday week. The allocation of ’planes for the ensuing period prompted some discussion on the restrictions imposed on training through the laying up of one or more ’planes at different periods for purposes of overhaul. In view of this, said Dr. Buist, it seemed, that the federation did not pos scss enough machines. He moved that it be a recommendation to the subcommittee to consider the purchase of another ’plane. Mr Oram supported this. Some doubt was expressed as to whether the federation finances would permit this outlay. Another point raised was the fact that the Government had as good as promised the provision during the next year of an additional ’plane for the use of the federation. Mr Burgess said the sub-committee could consider these factors and the recommendation was adopted. Mr Freyberg, deputed at last meeting to inquire into an instance of low flying at Hawera said a report was before the meeting. Flying Officer lan Keith said that the pilot concerned had flown from New Plymouth at an even altitude of 800 ft. am! had failed to take into consideration the fact that Hawera was 300 ft. above sea level when circling the town for the purposes of signalling a car to proceed to the aerodrome to meet him. This explanation was accepted by the meeting.

The first annual meeting of the le.leration was held at the conclusion of the council’s business. Mr Burgess, who was re elected chairman, explained that no auditor had been appointed and, as a result of that the accounts had not been scrutinised. The accounts as shown were adopted subject to audit, but nothing was released for publication.