AID FOR AIRMAN

Evening Star, Issue 22147, 30 September 1935, Page 2

AID FOR AIRMAN

APPEAL FOR FUNDS Plans for raising a fund “ to put Squadron-leader J. D. Hewitt back in the air ” .were discussed at a meeting of sports body representatives in Auck-land-recently, and it was stated that both in the war and as New Zealand representative in the Centenary air race he had brought credit and honour to his country, and had been the first man in history to fly from England to New Zealand in one'flight. Squadron-leader Hewett “ had his heart set ” on starting an air service between Auckland and Whangarei, it was reported, and even if only sufficient money was raised to pay a substantial deposit on such a plane its earnings would enable Squadron-leader Hewett to pay the remainder. He was the man most deserving of getting the license for that route, as he had been over it hundreds of times. Captain 11. E. Taylor mentioned that before Squadron-leader Hewett left New Zealand to pilot the Tainui in the Cen-

tonary air . race he had an aeroplana of his own and a lucrative, little business. He had to sell them for the support of his family while he was away, and on his return he had nothing but the £2OO the Government granted him, quite insufficient to re-establish him.: Without any notice the Tainui : was taken from him on his return, and given to another pilot to fly—they did not even know why,. He now had-no job, no business, nothing. That was his reward for a great flight as New Zealand’s representative. It was decided to adjourn the meeting until this week, and to circularise sports and other organisations throughout New,Zealand for assistance.* The ‘Evening-Star 5 will be pleased to acknowledge contributions for the object named.