PROGRESSIVE PAPAKURA’S

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 713, 10 March 1922, Page 7

PROGRESSIVE PAPAKURA’S

FLYING DAY. Papakura threw aside her lethargy on Saturday, March 4th, determined to move J with the times, and hail with delight the new, fascinating sport of flying. Captain Mercer arrived with his “avro” machine at 11 o’clock on the grounds of Mr E. McLellan, prepared to take( passengers for short flights during the afternoon. Great interest was shown by the residents, and many) passengers had already booked their trip in advance. Over fifty people availed themselves of the unique opportunity, and the machine was kept busy. It was a glorious afternoon, Nature being in keeping with the spirit of the people, and as the machine gracefully rose with its first occupants, Mr and M rs Platt, the people cheered L heartily. Gliding easily away towards the sea, the machine gradually rose higher and higher, then swept in a graceful curve over the township of Papakura. All those who availed themselves of the opportunity of flying, spoke of the great pleasure they had experienced ih) their exhilarating trip. A free trip was also given to two of the visitors to the flying ground, the lucky numbers being drawn by Mrs imidst great enthusiasm. The opportunity for flying at Papakura has proved so successful that Captain Mercer has already promised to come again and give others the chance to indulge in this most fascinating pastime.

Great praise is due to the New Zealand Aero Transport Co. in their endeavour to popularise flying, and it is to be hoped that success will follow their efforts. Certainly Papakura can take the hint from the “avro” to wake up and modernise her Let her motto he “Advance Papakura” and become the most beautiful suburb of Auckland. She possesses the possibilities, and only needs the propeller set in motion to bring about the results.

Great praise must be given to Mr g. Platt for his untiring efforts to make “Flying Day” a huge sucess, an d we hope that many more such, efforts will follow, which wild not pn’y popularise flying, but bring Papakura into its right prominence.