AIR PAGEANT SUCCESS

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 460, 18 June 1937, Page 4

AIR PAGEANT SUCCESS

SURPLUS OF £l7O Congratulations Of Visitors A statement of accounts in connection with the air pageant on Coronation riliy presented to a meeting of the Straitford Aero Club last night showed that a profit of approximately £l7O had resulted. Present at the meeting were: Messrs Percy Thomson (president). W. L. Kennedy, G. Crockett, D. White, J. W. McMillan, Brian McMillan. H. Bishop, L. Wann, A. G. Petrie, G. Boon, R. R. Curtis, H. Scott and F. E. Clarke (secretary). Congratulations on the success of the pageant held t° officially open the aerodrome were expressed in a iefcter from Mr lan Keith, instructor to the Western Federated (N. 1. Flying Club. “It was an excellent show, and from a Aying point, of view we thoroughly appreciated the efficient manner in which the public was controlled and prevented from interfering with the machines,” Mr Keitli v. rote. “In fax.lt. I shall go so far as to say I have seldom seen it e tualled at the many functions I have attended. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and wish to tblank you for your hospitality." Wellington pilots who attended the pageant alto wrote thanking the club for the hospitality accorded and expressing good wishes tor the future prosperity of the club.

Optimism Justified. Mr Thomson, in moving the adoption of the statement of accounts, said that one of the problems prior to the pageant was whether the club should insure against unsuitable Welather. It was decided to carry on without insurance, and the club’s optimism had been fully justified. He congratulated members on the preparations made and. the manner in which all bad carried' out their duties. l,t wbs 'the club’s initial effort, and perhaps failures might have been expected, but they were conspicuous by their absence. All could feel very gratified at the wonderful success which had attended the club on that occasion. After reference to Ihe grd. t help given by visiting pilots Mr Thomson said the club had also been very fortunate in the entertainment of the visitors, especially in the person of Miss Mcßae Thanks were also due to the visiting officers (Messrs Keith and Gilkinson), who adled as ju: jes. The presence of the Union Airways’ liner was greatly appreciated. Concluding, Mr Thomson said it had been very pleasing to have Mr W. J. Polson, M.P., the Mayor, and Mr P. Skoglund, No. 2 Transport Licensing Authority, at the opening of Ithe aerodrome. Mr White referred to the work of Mr Curtis and his committee,- and t.> lhe efforts of Mr Scott. Mention of the work of individuals would no't be

complete without reference to the splendid service given by the secretary, Mr Clarke, sail Mr White. Mr Curtis said he had only done what was asked of him. The other committees had worked equally as well and ha thanked them for their co-operation. He particularly desired to thank members of (the New Plymouth Aero Club. It was resolved to deposit a sum of £l5O with the Post Office Savings Bank. Control of Aerodrome. Messrs Thomson, Curtis, White, Wann, and- Bishop were appointed a sub-committee ‘to meet representatives of the Borough Council to discuss the future control of I. he Lenodrome. After a full discussion is was decided to communicate with the Western Federated Clubs with a view to ascertaining under what conditions the Stratford Club could link-up with the federation. A letter is to be sent to the Minister of Internal Affairs, in an endeavour to secure a share of an art union. Mr Thomson had his vote recorded against the proposal and indicated thi -t he was opposed to such

methods of raising money. An application for the allotment oT a plane for the use of the club is Ito be made to the Minister of Aviation. Messrs R. Spence, T. Lamason, junr., Mrs T D. Franklin, R. Wood, Oglivie, N. H. Moss, R. D. McCutcheon, A. W. Hedgman and A. Robertson were elected new members. Letters of appreciation are to be sent to all bodies who assisted in connection with the pageant. The date of the annual meeting will be fixed by the president and secretary.