AN AIRMEN’S JOKE

Hokitika Guardian, 29 August 1931, Page 5

AN AIRMEN’S JOKE

SWAGGER AT CONTROLS. SPECTATORS THRILLED. ( By Telegraph—Per Press A ssodation) NAPIER, August 27. An incident that smtiekod of two ultra-sensational took place towards the end of the Hawke's Bay Aero Club’s rally at the Longlands aerodrome, and provided the spectators with a decided thrill. The rally was drawing to a close, and the “gallery” was commencing to disperse, when a roughly-dressed figure. carrying a “bluey”, made its way across' the landing ground, to where Air Guy Field was taxi-ing in one of the club’s Moths, having just landed from a flight. The pilot made vigorous signs to the swagman to keep clear, but lie continued hjs course right in tlie track of the ’plane. The pilot then pulled his ’plane up and jumped out with the engine kicking over to chase tlie intruder away.

He had apparently under-estimated liis man, however; for the latter showed fight, tackled the flyer vigorously, bearing him to the ground, and then leant up and into the cockpit.

The shrieks of various ladies in the crowd were drowned by the roar of the exhaust as tlie visitor from “outback” onened tlie throttle and took to the air. to give tlie spectators the finest exhibition o n aerobatics at a low altitude seen during the afternoon. It was onlv .after lie had been in the air for about five minutes that the announcer let. the nublio into the jok°. disclosing that, “the fivirm swegg°r” was none ether than Mr Ken Gould, the Hawke’s Ray Aero Club’s instructor. a pilot with a magnificent war record.,gntl recognised..njumo of the.most capable airmen in the Dominion to-day.