AERO CLUB

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 May 1941, Page 5

AERO CLUB

TWELFTH ANNUAL REPORT ACTIVITIES RESTRICTED. I MANY MEMBERS ON ACTIVE SERVICE. I The twelfth annual report of the I Wairarapa and Ruahine Aero Club for the year ending March 31, 1941. states: "So far as flying activities are concerned. the club has not been able to provide any facilities for its members during the year. Consideration was given by the committee to the establishment of gliding, but there were insufficient members interested to warrant the expenditure involved. Income of the club is now limited mainly to members’ subscriptions, and it is pleasing to notice that members generally l have given the club their support. The total revenue for the year amounted to £174 14s Bd. and expenditure to £3lO 15s lOd, leaving a loss of £136 Is 2d; which has been transferred to the accumulated fund. A sum of £5OO was lent to the Government as a free of interest loan for the duration of the war. "Social Activities.—-Several functions have been held at the Club House during the year and this has helped to maintain contact with members. "The Air Force Relations Committee continues to perform very successfully in providing comforts for our members overseas. Their efforts are much appreciated by the committee. Each month, packages of clothing, foodstuffs and other comforts have been sent forward for distribution to members. of the Air Force. "The Masterton Model Aero Club retains the use of the hangar and workshop for their activities. Much interest in the building and flying of model planes is evidenced by the keenness of the boys and their displays attract many visitors. “Queen Carnival. —Miss Jose Hosking, a member of the club, was chosen as the Air Force Queen tor Masterton and district. Members of the club assisted the Air Force Queen Committee, who, working very energetically, succeeded in placing their queen at the top. Congratulations are extended to Miss Hosking. “Membership.—That the club has fulfilled one of its major functions in training pilots for defence purposes will be realised when it is pointed out that 32 of our members have joined up with the Air Force. Of these, four have made the supreme sacrifice; three others are reported missing, and the remainder are serving either overseas or in New Zealand. One of our lady members joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. In addition, thirteen further members joined other branches of the defence forces. “It is with deep regret that we record the loss of four of our members whilst serving their country, viz.. T. E. Denbee, R. W. Prout, A. Haigh, and J. H. Hamill. Reported missing whilst on active service: D. A. Todd. L. Loagby, and W. H. Swain. To their parents and relatives wo extend our sincere sympathy. “The following members are now on active service: R. Armstrong, M. K. Blake, A. W. Buchanan, L. G. Brown. H. O. Bunny. N. W. Beetham. S. I. Baird. C. V. Bargh, R. B. Berney. C. G. Cunningham, J. E. Crisp, F. J. Cooper, G. V. Donald. W. T. Eiby. C. L. Fryer. R. O. Gorringe. H. C. George. G. H. Grantham. I. A. Hart, O. W. Hosking. T. W. Horton. J. H. Irving. R. Jenkin. W. R. Jaspers, A. F. J. Kilgour. B. Le Pine. H. B. Maunsell. H. Morrison. T. McDonald. T. E. McPherson, N. E. Preston. J. V. A. Reid. J. Register. R. J. Sinclair. W. M. Sellar. J. W. Sievers, A. L. Skinner, J. R. Wenden. Mrs N. W. Beetham is a member of the W.A.A.F. Members who are aware of any errors or omissions in the above list are asked to advise the secretaries as soon as possible. Information regarding members joining the Defence Forces will be welcomed. Membership of the club is now 239. including honorary members. Mr P. J. Borthwick was elected a life members of the club. “Maintenance of the aerodrome surface has been carried out by the Public Works Department, to whom we offer our thanks. We express our thanks also to the Press and the secretaries for their services. The club’s buildings and grounds have been kept in first-class order and repairs, where necessary, have been carried out. Members are asked to continue their support of the club in order that the committee may make provision for essential maintenance and current expenditure. We all hope that the day is not far distant when our normal activities can be resumed.

“Officers and committee, —Nominations for vacancies for the ensuing year have been received and as the number of nominees does not exceed the number of vacancies, elections will not be necessary.”

The report is presented for the commil tee by Mr A. McDonald president.