GLIDING CLUB FORMED

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 779, 27 September 1929, Page 18

GLIDING CLUB FORMED

ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING OF VARSITY STUDENTS WILL OPERATE THIS SUMMER A most enthusiastic gathering, of nearly 59 University College students last evening—the womenfolk being well represented—resulted in the formation of a gliding club for the purpose of building and flying sail-planes and gilders. At the opening of the meeting Mr. D. Harkness, a well-known Auckland aviator and lecturer at the college, was unanimously elected to the chair. He briefly mentioned the great progress gliding had made in other countries, especially Germany. Sydney University students had recently formed a club, which was doing quite well. Gliding was indeed a great opportunity for enthusiasts of the air, and it did not demand a very great financial outlay. The showing of lantern slides of gliders by Mr. H. S. Bundy proved very instructive, and were much appreciated. This was followed by an address on the construction and general costs of building machines by Mr. F. C. McDonald, president of the Auckland Model Aero and Gliding Club. His club already bad a glider under construction, which should be completed In the near future. He considered that there was plenty of room for two clubs In Auckland, and it could well be expected that later on contests would be held between the two clubs. A tentative constitution for the club was read by Mr. E. W. Harkness. It was approved. The following officers were elected: —President, Mr. D. E. Harkness; club captain, Mr. G. E. .Watt; secretary, Mr. H. S. Bunby; treasurer, Mr. E. W. Harkness; committee, Messrs. C. C. Hunter, H. C. Wiles, and R. A. J. Smith. It was proposed that the club should start operations immediately the examinations were over, in order that it would be possible to do some gliding during the coming summer vacation. All the machines will be constructed by club members and the college’s engineering students.