Flying in Mesopotamia

Horowhenua Chronicle, 20 September 1916, Page 3

Flying in Mesopotamia

DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTER ED. Aviation in New Zealand will soon be carried on more extensively than at present. Mr. J.W. Scotland, tlie New Zealand aviator, who recently returned to New Zealand from Mesopotamia, was a visitor to Palmerst-on last week-end. In the course of an interview with a Standard reporter, he stated that the leading citizens of Christchurch were taking steps to establish a school of aviation there. .Three Caudiron biplanes would be leaving England in the course of a few weeks, and it was expected that the school wo'uld be started about the end of November. A goodly number of pupils had shown a keenness to join the school, and .it would be started with a membership of fro n twenty to twenty-five. Mr. Scotland added that an exhibition would probably be given at a later date in I'almerston North. Speaking of flying operations in Mesopotamia. .Mr. Scotland referred to the difficulties encountered through the extreme heat. ''Owing to this heat we could: do nothing for months." lie said. "Flying was only possible in the early morning, or at night; in the middle of the day it wa.s an impossibility." Owing to being still undischarged from this branch of the service. Mr. Scotland could not speak ol the operations in this theatre of war. but he remarked that be had taken part in raiding parties. Among those who will join the new aviation school is Mr. E. T. Sutherland. the well-known 'Maori motor-cy-clist. who is a resident of Asluirst. Mr. Sutherland has been interested 111 aviation for some time .past. ,