AVIATION.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 18026, 22 May 1930, Page 4

AVIATION.

A most regrettable accident has occurred to mar the previous clean record sheet of New Zealand aviation, regrettable not only for the loss of valuable life, hut from the point of view of a possible set back to flying in the Dominion. That this attitude should be held by many appalled by the first shock of the tragedy is readily understandable, hut that this view should be retained after due thought to the subject is given is not so readily understandable. The Dominion has been particularly free from aviation accidents of any description, and thus when one does occur undue prominence is given to the circumstance. One has hut to remember the terrible toll, of the roads to realise that deaths from flying are comparatively few. To-day there are aeroplanes In their thousands flying day and night in the course of their duties in every country of the globe with very few mishaps. Fatal crashes are comparatively few when the number involved is considered. Motor car deaths are so commonplace that they are taken as a mere matter of everyday .routine, regrettable, but seemingly unavoidable. Aviation is with us as an accomplished fact. Man has conquered the air as he has conquered other things, and the brave men who have forfeited their lives in perfecting the conquest, have done so after the manner of all pioneers.