GIFT AEROPLANE

Marlborough Express, Volume L, Issue 82, 6 April 1916, Page 5

GIFT AEROPLANE

KHW ZEALAND SHOULD' HELP TO DEFEND BRITAIN.

Wlicn the Hon. Arthur Myers, Minister for Munitions nnd chairman -of ' the Auckland branch Overseas Club, was in Auckland a few weeks ago, ho made a■ su&gestidn ,at-a •publicmeeting that an aeroplane fund should be started in New Zealand, by each large centre subscribing Sufficient money for the purpose of purchasing one vmaclline. At the same tame he pointed out that it was agreed that although this would possibly not increase ' the number of .machines that ■could be-manufactured, on. account of the f actoi ies already being worked: their fullest capacity,, nevertheless it would demonstrate that this Dominion is one of one mind in, wishing to give support io this important part oi modern warfare, with the object of strengthening those who are m authority m their endeavors tto make the Empire mistress of the air as well a.-3 of the sea. . . , With the object of ascertaining what progress had been ; nlade in giving effect to this suggestion^ a representative ■of the- N.Z: TiiiVescalled on Mr Myers on Tuesday. The Minister ■staged*that lie understood about £700 had been collected alrehdy in Auckland, but that ■■■appare^^io-effort so far had been made in tnis,/direction in the other large centres. He went on to say that not New Zealand alone, but the whole of the Knipire ; 'had been thrilled by the exploit of FlightLieutenant Brandon, of .Wellington, who us reported in repent newspaper cables, single-handed, .bombed a Zeppelin raider and apparently put an end to its murderous activities. The reports stated, tha ( tv,Lieutenant Brandon was anxious io have /'a smack" at the Zeppelins/ "Let us prove to the world/ Mr. Myers added, "; hat not only the brave New Zealand lieutenant, but the %ftole of his fel-low-citizens in the ■Dj&minipri here are also anxious to have 'a smack' at the law-breaking marauders; ■ New Zeal land has now a splendid opportunity of demonstrating in a most effective manner that1 ■she is not backward in appreciation of the heroic ,'efforts of "one of the braves^r of ■ her subscribing as a sift to the Mbih'c# Country-an aeroplane vtotjjp; manned (if this can be...arraijged by1 the\ Home authorities) by Lieutenant ■ Brandon himself, and to be mase>famous by his further exploits in the caiise of our Empire nnd our Allies. .• ,If possible, the machine, should be given a name which Avor.ld identify it with New Zealand." •■■*■• ■■-..

In conclusion Mr Myers said: "For every brave deedh performed by our men actually on active service, let those, whose duty it is 'to remain at their posts^ note" sphoV the world that they are i;arnest in their endeavor to go one better, '■■ and •-.- that however magnificent* a record New Zealanders hare made in this war, those w,ho are behind them are united,in heart and mind.in wishing to atld brilliancy to the tale of New Zealand patriotism and generosity to the country which gave her birth and to which she owes so much." .-'... -.■....