BIG AIR RACE

Hokitika Guardian, 14 December 1933, Page 6

BIG AIR RACE

PROPOSAL FOR HZ. ENTRY

AUCKLAND, December 11. A proposal that New Zealand should

enter an aeroplane for the international race from England to Australia next year on the occasion of the Melbourne centenary, and that while the competi-

tors ..were in Australia the Dominion

should offer a prize for a further race from 'Melbourne to New Zealand, was

made by Mr T. Lamont at the weekly luncheon of the Auckland Rotary Club. Mr Lamont has been absent from the Dominion for two years. He said that before leaving London about five weeks ago, ho had met Mr E. C. Cutten, and Mr J. A. C. Allum, both members of the club, and they lmd discussed with Captain Gilman, of the Royal Air force, the possibility of New Zealand having an entry in the air race to Australia.

Captain Gilman is a New Zealander who was transferred to the Royal Air Force from the army. He strongly urged the advisability of New Zealand entering an aeroplane for i the race and Messrs C'utten and Allum ! asked Air Lamont to make the suggestion to the Rotary Club with the idea of having a fund started to finance the venture. Captain Gilman had estimated that a suitable aeroplane would cost about £SOOO, and another £IOO would be required for expenses. “If every person in New Zealand contributed a penny each, the money would be raised,” said Mr Lamont. “I think we should raise a little more and, while the international flyers taking part in the London-Melbourne race are still in Australia offer a- prize for the best flight from Melbourne to New Zealand.

The president promised that the suggestion would he considered by the committee of the club.