CIVIL FLYING

Hokitika Guardian, 6 August 1928, Page 4

CIVIL FLYING

STEADY GROWTH IN AUSTRALIA

SYDNEY, July 26

With the prospect of an increase in civil aviation in New Zealand, the experiences of Australia in that connexion are bound to be of interest in the Dominion. New Zealand lias already been presented with one aeroplane with the object of increasing the possibilities of civil aviation, and it remains for public-spirited citizens to foNow the example that has been set. It is more than likely that the prospective flight of the Southern Cross will provide the “ urge” that may be necessary. The other day the New South Wales Aero Club published a record of which it might well be proud. It has made more than 26,000 flights without injury to pilots, public, or passengers. Nearly 4000 passengers, excluding pupils, have been carried. The club has trained 70 pilots; 33 others- are in various stages of instruction ; and there is a waitinglist of 20 aspirants. There are 88 pile: members and 40 pupil members in a club strength of 635. Last month six members of the club carried out the first aerial reliability test, and gave great displays in the country centres. The Minister for Defence has described tho dub as the most successful aviation club in the Empire. He said that the instructors and officials of other clubs should he sent to Sydney in order that they might imbibe some of the enthusiasm of the Sydney club’s executive and learn how discipline and administration'should be instilled into civil flying organisations. Any New Zealand club could learn a great deal from Sydney, and the Sydney Club has stated that it would give any visitor a hearty welcome.

The encouragement of flying must he regarded as a national work of the greatest importance. The Sydney Club’s resources are limited, and the club finds it impossible to cope with the public demand for flying training, and practice. Australia is a country declared to he a flying paradise, and although the same remark would not bo true to New Zealand, there is a great scope in the Dominion for the development of aviation. The development in Australia has not been as rapid as it should have been, hut it seems .to be on sound and sure Jines, as the remarkable freedom from serious accidents would seem to indicate. To this end strict Government control is necessary, for it needs only one serious accident to shake the public confidence now so firmly established.

It is said that the world is at the beginning of a period when flying will be within the reach of most people, and that the ownership of a light machine will lie as common a matter as the ownership of a motor car a few years ago. It may be that the solution cf the settlement of far inland Australia will be reached through the aeroplane. Already the aeroplane is playing an important part in this direction by establishing communication with centres which, ordinarily, it would take weeks to reach. Aeroplanes bring within comparatively easy reach medical aid previously denied. These things make the settler more contented and less likely to wander from his lonely holding to the great cities.