IMPERIAL AIR COMMISSION

Hokitika Guardian, 8 September 1927, Page 2

IMPERIAL AIR COMMISSION

VISIT TO HOKITIKA. Mr Scddon, M.P. telegraphed last evening as follows: —“The Air Service Delegation left to-day for Canterbury. Am endeavouring to get them to extend their visit from Otira to Hokitika and will wire later.” The action of Mr Seddon was appreciated at the meeting of the Progress League last night. The occasion for the visit lias been emphasised in the local press, and it is not unlikely when the flight across the Tasman becomes a regular feature, landing spots along the Coast will be necessary, and certainly near Mount Cook which will be a guide post to airmen approaching from Australia. In the case of an emergency landing being necessary favorable spots should be charted and made known to firing men. On that account tie; representations by tlie Member for Westland are certainly timely. The Progress League referred the matter to Dr Teiche’maun (President) who hr.s taken a persona! interest in the matter, r.ml tins bad a scheme in view for some time to prepare a considerable area of the Sea \ iew plateau in n condition suitable for aeroplane landing. When a (lying machine was here at the time of the Hokitika Exhibition.. Dr Teiche!matin took a special interest in the aerial flights, and was interested in the flight tn and landing at Okarito. after circling the Franz Josef Glacier. In going into the matter of suilob-V landings at the time. Dr T. ivhc'inann was greatly .struck with the facilities -HlVred by Sea View Hill for aerial ill.-bis over the Tasman

Sow. the elevation of the plateau iinmcditv.clv eh vo the soa, being a special factor in favor or a local landing or Inking ell si'o. 'nine then, at the suggestion cl' Dr Tdche’mann, the project has been kepi in mind, and a ire.r.. 1 deal if clearing and improvement lias been going on on Sea View Hill which renders the landing place more favorable than ever for the purpose suggested.

LATER PARTICLE \RS. To-day Mr Soihbui adti-vxl ;> - fol!i ws:—“Air Service Delegation L ave Christchurch for Hokitika this morning. Please ace the .Mayor and others to arrange for reception and supplying of particvflars considered necessary. Anv further information will he tele-

graphed later. Regards.” The Mayor (Mr Perry) in conjunction with the officials of the Progress League was making arrangements Tor !h" recent ion of the visitors to-day. Dr Toichelmunn, who was in Christchurch yesterday is expected in return to-day, in which ca.se he would have the opportunity of meeting the members of the Delegation on route. The Delegation will tie met on arrival by the Mayor (Mr Perry), the Deputy Mayor (Mr Jeffries), Messrs T. W. Duff (Vice-President) and members of tin- Prr-rges.s League. Mr .T. A. Murdoch (County Chairman) and others including, Mr \V. Harrington, who did considerable (lying boro with Captain Buckley at the time of the Hokitika Exhibition.