AERO CLUB’S STATUS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 June 1939, Page 4

AERO CLUB’S STATUS

NOT A COMMERCIAL UNDERTAKING. SECRETARY EXPLAINS POSITION. “I wish to repudiate the statement that -the Wairarapa and Ruahine Aero Club is a commercial undertaking, out to exploit the air.’ reported in yesterday's -Times-Age,’ to have been made at the Masterton Trust Lands Trust,” Mr. L. F. Gray, secretary of the club, said today. Being an incorporated society, the club could not be classed as a commercial concern, said Mr. Gray. It did not have any capital or shareholders, neither did it issue shares, bonds, or debentures. Its affairs were not managed by a board of directors, but by elected” officers and a committee who not only give their services voluntarily. but also give much financial support to the club. It was true that the Government did contribute to the funds of aero clubs, but it must not be overlooked that the clubs had to earn their fees by training pilots for the civil reserve. An examination of the Wairarapa Club’s income and expenditure account, very clearly revealed that all of its revenue was absorbed in outgoings such as replacement of aircraft, maintenance, petrol, oil, insurance, wages, etc. The club appreciated very much the grants made by the Trust Lands Trust and the Masterton Borough Council, said Mr. Gray. It was hoped that the lead given would be followed by other local bodies throughout the Wairarapa.