Aeroplanes for Britain.

Levin Daily Chronicle, 27 December 1917, Page 1

Aeroplanes for Britain.

OVERSEAS CLUB'S ACTIVITIES. (From the Christchurch "Press." Some time ago the Christchurch branch of the Overseas Club cabled to an American firm, stating that the citizens of New Zealand contemplated presenting England with 1000 war planes, and enquiring what prospect there was of getting the machines promptly manufactured in the United States. The reply, which came after considerable delay, stated that the firm was unable to do anything at present. Mr Ranger, in presenting the information to the meeting of the Overseas Club stated that since the idea of presenting England with 1000 war-planes had been mooted, the urgency of the war situation was becoming more acute, and was anything but satisfactory. The Eastern situation looked very gloomy, and it was time the club put in motion something of a substantial character to help the Government to do more than it was at present doing to win the war. He moved the following resolution: Recognising the urgent necessity for the people of New Zealand to do something more to help win tho war, and realising the immense possibilties, effectiveness and great military importance of war planes towards that object; the urgency for greater numbers at the front and the need for immediate action, this Christchurch branch of the Overseas Club requests the co-operation of the Overseas Club branches throughout to arrange for large public meetings to urge the Government of Now Zealand to adopt the Overseas Club proposition, and to promptly obtain information from the American Government as to whether America could supply these 'planes expeditiously, if ordered right away, such 1000 'planes to be in addition to those on order for the Allies and those building for America." Mr Ranger added, that Mr Edgar Jones, of Timaru, had offered, in the event of Cabinet deciding to furnish the 'planes, to go to America at his own expense and to investigate the chances of getting them manufactured there at once. (Applause.) The motion was seconded by Mr Jones, who stated that he did not believe the cablegram received indicated that America would not be able to manufacture the 'planes. Mr Holland suggested that it would be better to hold the motion over until information as to America's ability to supply the machines. Sir James Allen would be passing through Christchurch shortly, and if a deputation were to wait on him, then he would probably supply the information. Mr D. Bates moved as an amendment that tho matter bo deferred, and that a deputation consisting of the chairman, the Mayor and members, bo requested to wait upon Sir James Allen and to ask liim whether he had any information on the subject of America's ability to supply the 'planes, also that Mr Jones be thanked for his generous offer. Mr Collins seconded the amendment, which was carried unamiously.