MR. HAMMOND IN NEW ZEALAND.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XX, Issue 1121, 5 October 1911, Page 13

MR. HAMMOND IN NEW ZEALAND.

Mr. J. J. Hammond, the well-known aviator, whose flights in the Commonwealth have earned him much fame throughout Australasia, has been visiting Auckland, and in the couse of an interview unburdened himself of much interesting information in the art of flying (says the “New Zealand Motor and Cycle Journal”). As is well-known to those who take an interest in aviation matters, Mr. Hammond, before coming out to Australia, gave many successful demonstrations of flight in Great Britain and on the Continent. It was under contract to the British and Continental Aeroplane Co. that he visited the Commonwealth in aerial navigation. It is unlikely that Mr. Hammond will make any flights in New Zealand, as bringing his machine over from Sydney would mean a considerable outlay, and he would require a guarantee of £3OOO before doing so. In order to give an exhibition of flight in New Zealand Mr- Hammond states that it would be necessary for him to bring two aeroplanes from Australia, the cost of which machines he estimates at £2400, while he would need the services of two skilled mechanics. It is thus seen that the undertaking would prove a most expensive one, and as difficulty is certain to be experienced in obtaining the necessary support the venture is for the time being out of the question. A less expensive way of treating the people of New Zealand to a demonstration of flight would be to bring only one aeroplane over, but then there is always an uncertainty attached to such an undertaking; for instance, some trouble might occur with the motor, or a breakage of part of the machine, which would result in flying being suspended for the day, much to the disappointment of those who had assembled in the anticipation of witnessing a flight. With two aeroplanes, it is possible in the event of one meeting with a mishap, to make the flight with the other, the damaged machine meanwhile to be repaired.