CONTROL OF AVIATION.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1491, 21 November 1918, Page 28

CONTROL OF AVIATION.

EXTENSIVE REGULATIONS

“An Act to control aviation in New Zealand” has been tabled in the House. It empowers the Governor to make regulations.

(a) For the issue of licenses for flying schools and for the revocation of such licenses.

(b) Prescribing courses of instruction and examination for candidates for flying certificates.

(c) Prescribing the physical requirements of candidates for and holders of flying certificates. (d) Prescribing form of flying certificates and the conditions on which such certificates may be granted or cancelled.

(e) Prescribing conditions for the recognition in New Zealand of flying certificates granted elsewhere, and for the withdrawal of such recognition.

(f) For the issue and cancellation of licenses authorising the use of aeroplanes, and prescribing the conditions, subject to which such aeroplanes may be so used, including conditions as to the carriage of passengers and goods. (g) For the registration of aeroplanes.

(h) Prescribing fees for the examination of candidates for flying certificates, for the issue of licenses and certificates, and for the registration of aeroplanes.

(i) Prescribing fines for offences against any such regulation not exceeding £lOO.

(j) For such other purposes as may be deemed necessary. The Bill makes it illegal to establish an unlicensed flying school, or to

control an aeroplane in flight without a license, provided that a pupil may have control within such restricted areas as may be prescribed for the school. Power is taken to prohibit flying over areas defined by Order-in-Coun-

oil or the landing of an aeroplane on other than a defined landing place, except under stress of circumstances. The most interesting feature of the Bill is the provision of prohibited areas, which will probably include cities, and, of course, defensive works.

Owing to the influenza epidemic, the Egmont motor cycle races have been postponed sine die.

A motor car was taken from the private garage of a prominent Auckland citizen on Saturday week, and returned in the morning, showing unmistakable signs that it had been driven a considerable distance and roughly handled.

A fatal accident occurred at New Plymouth recently, the victim being Walter Alexander Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Smith, of Kelvin Grove. It appears that the deceased with a number of others was riding on top of a “tank” along the South Road, New Plymouth, and one of the front tyres of the car on which the tank was erected burst, causing the car to swerve. Several of the passengers overbalanced and fell against the woodwork of which the tank was constructed, and this collapsed, throwing them on to the road. Deceased fell on his head and received a severe fracture of the base of the skull. He was immediately removed to the hospital, but death ensued 15 minutes after admission.

Mr. Boyd Edkins, whose BrisbaneSydney motor car record was recently reduced to 19 hours 38 Mt minutes by Mr. F. Eager, has already announced his intention’ of endeavouring to regain this overland record at an early date. With everything favourable it is anticipated that this inter-State run will be yet brought down to about 18 hours.

The output of the Ford Company of Canada, from whence the Australian Ford supply is derived, has been reduced from 250 to 100 cars a day,- owing to scarcity of labour.

It is stated that motor vehicles in America cover 60,000,000,000 miles per annum, against 35,000,000,000 passenger miles run by the railways in that country.

Frank Kramer, who held the American cycle championship from 1901 to 1916, and lost it last year for the first time, has this year won back the title. In- 1917 the Canadian sprinter, A. Spencer, carried off the championship honours. Spencer finished second in points this season, with the N.S.W. crack, R. Spears, in third place. In the all-round championship the last-named rider has a commanding lead, and cannot be beaten, with R. Kramer second, and the Tasmanian, A. Crenda, third.

An extraordinary and serious motor accident occurred in Onepu Road, opposite Apu Crescent, Byall Bay, Wellington, last week, which resulted in several persons being injured and both cars being considerably damaged. It is said that a car driven by Mr. J. Marshall, of Ingestre Place, was proceeding along Onepu Road behind another car, when a car driven by a soldier endeavoured to cross between Marshall’s and tljg front car. There was not sufficient room, and a terrific crash resulted. Mr. Marshall was badly shaken, but was able to proceed to his home. The other occupants of his car, two men and three ladies, escaped serious injury, with the exception of Mr. W. Neiman, who was removed to the hospital suffering from concussion. Sergeant McNeil, who was in the other car, sustained severe scalp wounds, and the other occupants of the car suffered minor injuries, but, after being attended to at the hospital, went on to their homes. Both cars were badly damaged.

During the recent race meeting at Trentham the Petone Council set a motor trap on the Hutt road, with the result that 82 owners of motor cars have been notified of the intention of. the council to prosecute them for exceeding the speed limit.