AEROPLANES ARRIVING

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 261, 31 July 1919, Page 4

AEROPLANES ARRIVING

BRITISH MACHINES GOING,TO SOCKBURN. ,The four aeroplaru-.s presented to New Zealand bv the imperial Government are on board the Matatiia, which, is due to reach Auckland on August 8, Two of the machines are cf the type known as D.H.4. used for bombing and reconnaisauce work during the war, and later for official traffic, between London' and Paris. The: other two machines, are Bristol fighters, particularly fast and powerful. These aeroplanes are to be sent down to Ghristchurch, and will be flown from the Sockburn 'aerodrome. Several experienced nir mechanics are already in New Zealand, and will go to Christchurch to care for the machines. New Zealand wilots with military experience will'* be available. Several* New Zealanders 'demobilised from the Royal Air Force are returning on the Matatua. The future use of these aeroplanes will depend upon the decisions of the Government regarding aviation policy. The Air Adviser tLieutennnt-Colonel V. Bettingtou) has presented his report to the Government, and his recommendations will be considered bv x Cabinet. In the meantime the Sockbvffn flying school possesses the sole aerodrome immediately, available for use, and some time must elapse before nny other aerodromes can be prepared. Canterbury, in- any case, will have a strong claim to be regarded as a centre of flying activity, owing to its wide area of flat laud. The Auckland flying school uses seaplanes.