AVIATION IN N.Z.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 June 1938, Page 11

AVIATION IN N.Z.

CENTENNIAL DISPLAY PROPOSED RELIABILITY AND ECONOMY TRIAL. ENCOURAGEMENT OF CLUBS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, June 29. Suggestions of ways in which the centennial of New Zealand might be made to provide a fillip to civil aviation in the Dominion were made today by Mr R. S. Taylor, president of the Canterbury Aero Club. Mr Taylor said there were not a few difficulties to be overcome, but he thought that, with the support of the Government and the willing co-operation of aero clubs, much could be achieved. The main idea was that there should be a display of light and medium-pow-ered aircraft in a special hall at the main centennial exhibition at Wellington. The proposal would be to invite manufacturers of suitable types in all parts of the world to enter one or more types for the display and to make it open also for any firms desiring to exhibit aircraft engines and accessories. Even this would not be a limit as a display of the range of instruments installed in a modern air liner, it was thought, would be of considerable interest to the man in the street, especially if their use and working were to be demonstrated as well. The main drawback to this scheme was that it was doubtful whether the market in New Zealand as yet was large enough to persuade many firms to accept the invitation. Pointing out that air races had been successfully held in Australia, Mr Taylor said that it was at least time that the holding of one in New Zealand was considered. Little danger would be attached to the running of a race round the Dominion, as there were suitable airports in the centres at which machines could stop for nights. Here the main difficulty would be in finding the finance necessary for prize money. Mr Taylor said the scheme was for the holding of a reliability and economy trial rather than a straight-out speed test. Where speed was the main factor too many dangers cropped up, and, although a speed race might be more spectacular, a reliability trial would be more useful and informative. It would be expected that aero clubs in the main centres would each enter one machine and, with an already woeful shortage of aircraft at the disposal of clubs, it would not be fair to expect them to risk a machine in a purely speed contest. If the air race suggestion was rejected and some support was forthcoming for the display scheme at the centennial exhibition, Mr Taylor suggested that those aircraft sent from other countries should combine with club aircraft for a tour of the main centres in the Dominion. Field days could be arranged at each club aerodrome and an arrangement come to with local bodies concerned to charge for admission. “It might be not too much to hope that the Government will provide some of the finance necessary for arranging the schemes if any are decided on,” said Mr Taylor.