FUTURE OF FLYING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 May 1941, Page 5

FUTURE OF FLYING

IMPETUS AFTER THE WAR WAIRARAPA AND RUAHINE AERO CLUB. PRESIDENT ADDRESSES ANNUAL MEETING. “We meet again under the shadow of the war. Since' our last meeting the British Empire has suffered many setbacks. but with the ever-increasing flow of war materials from the United Slates of America, it is hoped that it will not be long before we can accumulate such a weight of armaments that will .enable us to give the enemy a knock-out blow.” stated the president of the Wairarapa and Ruahine Aero Club, Mr A .McDonald, at the annual meeting of the club, held in Masterton this morning. Mr McDonald presided over a representative attendance. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs 11. W. Robinson and J. W. Buchanan. Prior to the commencement of business, those present stood in silence for a few moments as a mark of respect to four club members killed while serving their country. “Aircraft have played a prominent part in al] the many battles, and there can be no doubt that when we have parity with the enemy in numbers, there can only be one result, and that is victory for the British Empire,” said Mr McDonald, in moving the adoption of the annual report. “When we read of the exploits of our airmen it is with a feeling of pride and satisfaction that we have such worthy sons to fight for us. Some of our boys will not come back —already four of our members have lost their lives and three others are missing. We share the sorrow of their parents and relatives. “During the war we lent to the Government as a war effort the sum of £5OO free of interest for the duration of the war,” said Mr McDonald. "The year ended with a deficit of £136, after writing off £95 depreciation. All essentia] maintenance of the club’s assets has been carried out, and expenditure during the coming year will be confined to essential repairs and expenses. The Air Force Relations, with Mrs H. J. W. Lord as chairwoman, has during _ the past year sent very many parcels' of comforts away. Last Christmas cakes were sent to those overseas, and many letters of thanks were received. Members who would like to assist with donations of money, comforts or foodstuffs, please advise Mrs Lord or the secretaries. “It is the desire of the committee to keep the club together during the war. so that our normal activities can be resumed as soon as the war ends,” said Mr McDonald. "Flying should receive considerable impetus after the war, and with many pilots returning to civilian life, the way should be opened for resumption of flying activities with as little delay as possible.” The report was adopted. As the nominations did not exceed the vacancies, the following officers were declared re-elected for the ensuing year:—Patron,Mr J. W. Buchanan; president, Mr A. McDonald: vice-presi-dents. Messrs E. A. Heyder. P. F. Fagan. H, J. W. Lord; club captain, Mr J. V. A. Reid; committee, Messrs W. R. Baku. H. T. Parsons. H. W. Robinson. H. A. Harcombc. and Dr. G. B. A. Cowie; social and club house committee. Messrs W. A. Wardell, N. R. Cunningham, H. A. Harcombc. Mrs L. F. Gray, Misses Hosking, D. Todd and H. Gill. Messrs Low and Cunningham were re-elected auditors.