AERODROME INSPECTED

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 424, 4 May 1937, Page 4

AERODROME INSPECTED

MILES HAWKE LANDS Ground Suitable For All Types. This afternoon, after an inspection of the Stratford aerodrome, Mr E. A. Gibson, Government Inspecting Engineer, expressed himself as satisfied with the conditions and indicated that a license would be granted for all types of aircraft. Accompanied by Mr H. C. Walker, official pilot to the Vacuum Oil Company, Mr Gibson left Weillington at 11.15 a.m. to-day in a Miles Hawke plane, and landed on the Stratford aerodrome at 12.55 p.m. A strong head wind was encountered on the journey from Wellington and it was expected that the time of 1 hours 40 minutes would be reduced to a little over an hour on the homeward journey.

After lunch Mr Gibson returned to the aerodrome, where he was met by the Mayor, Mr J. .McMillan, members of the Borough Council and the Stratford Aero Club. With the club members he discussed several matters concerning the arrangements for next week’s aero pageant. He stated that immediately on landing he had gone over the ground and was satisfied with the approaches and the surface, and that the ground was suitable for all types of aircraft. At 2.40 p.m. the ’plane taxied across the field and turned to make a perfect take-off, although ct the time there was very little wind. The spectators were treated to an exhilarating exhibition of speed when the plane circled and flashed overhead at an estimated air speed of from 130 to 150 miles an hour. Again the yellow, red and black colours of the plane were seen before the machine headed southward, leaving behind a black rain cloud which was moving from the mountain toward the sunlit aerodrome.