AVIATION AUTHORITIES

Hokitika Guardian, 29 November 1929, Page 8

AVIATION AUTHORITIES

THE NEW LAW

WELLINGTON, November 26

The Hon. T. M. Wilford stated today, in reply to a deputation wanting Gear Island (Lower Hutt) as a landing ground and a 'training ground for airmen, that notification of recognised aviation authorities would be Gazetted on Thursday.

“ Under the new law,” he said, “recognised aviation authorities may receive contributions lrom local authorities. That is a start, but there is no power Ifor local bodies to spend public money on other than recognised aviation clubs. When the Wanganui Aero Clul) is declared a recognised aviation authority the Borough Council can subscribe towards the establishment of an aerodrome not in the borough at all. So with other local bodies who will he allowed to spend money in a district over which they have no control, provided the aero dub is a recognised aviation authority. When the Government recognises a club it undertakes to pay £25 a pilot up to twenty pilots a year. It also undertakes to lend aeroplanes and, as you know, lending machines means practically giving them away. The Government, therefore, lias seriously to consider the recognition of clubs because of the liability attached to such a decision. At the present time the money available for aviation, civil, or otherwise, is limited. There is no possibility of any civil aviation company receiving a subsidy from the Government this year.”