CIVIL AVIATION.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 224, 21 September 1928, Page 8

CIVIL AVIATION.

MOTH FOR AERO CLUB.

DONATED BY "HERALD.'*

INSPIRED BY TASMAN FLIGHT,

Inspired by the initial flight across the Tasman and-the visit of SquadrouLeader Kings ford Smith, Flight-Lieu-tenant Ulm and the other two members of the Southern Cross crew, Messrs. T. H. McWilliam and Litchfield, and in order to help the struggling cause of civil aviation in the Dominion, the directors of the "New Zealand Herald" have presented to the Auckland Atfro Club a De Havilland aeroplane, a Jdoth of the latest type. In making the gift the directors state that they have recognised the great potential value of aviation to New Zealand and the need for developing an "air sense" in the general public, also to build up and maintain a large body of pilots and aircraftsmen for future requirements. The Moth, which will be of the latest design, having the new 100 h.p. Gipsy engine, and fitted with the new slotted wings, will be ordered through Mr. Douglas Mill, of Auckland, who has offered to arrange by cable for an early delivery. In accepting the offer of the machine Mr. H. T. Merritt, chairman of the Aero Club, states that the gift will delight the hearts of all airmen in the city of Auckland. "Members of the club feel that the club only needs a start to ensure its success," he added. "As a result of the Tasman flight and the visit of the crew of the Southern Cross enthusiasm in aviation is so great that when once the club is functioning machines will be required almost as fast as we will be aliJe to get them." A Moth aeroplane of the same type as that which the "Herald" has ordered recently won the King'* Cup air race around Great Britain, piloted by Captain Hope. With the new 100 h.p. Gipsy engine in place of the 30-80 h.p. Cirrus, the latest Moth is a better all-round aeroplane than the earlier types, which proved so successful. Fitted with automatic wing slots, it is able to land at a low speed, while the safety factor is greatly increased.