THE AERIAL YEAR

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Volume 58, Issue 274, 20 December 1929, Page 8

THE AERIAL YEAR

WITH HAWKE'S BAY AERO CLUB. ANNUAL MEETING HELD.

The annual general meeting of the Hawke's Bay Aero Club was held in the Y.M.C.A. Lounge, Market street. Hastings, last evening, when the first annual report was submitted. Sir Andrew Russell presided. 'The report stated that at the commencement of the year, thanks to the members of the executlve and other helpers, the preliminary work of getting the aerodrome in a usable condition and erecting a hangar was carried out, most of the material being donated. In January last, the executive purchased a Cirrus Mark 2 Moth aeroplane so that flying could be commenced as early as possible. Captain White was appointed club instructor, and at the request of the Director of Air Services, attended a special instructor's course at Sockburn. On the return of Captain White instruction of pupils began, and notwithstanding several mishaps to the machine, eleven pupils had been trained on the one machine, and by the 15th October all had secured their "A" pilots' licenses, after having been. examined by the Director of Air Services. Those securing licenses are;--Mrs M. Richmond, Messrs H. R. Campbell, D. H. Newbigin, I. S. McLeod, R. M. Field. G. L. Nicholas, G. G. Stead, G. C. Field. G. A. Field, P. Barker and R. J . Pellow. CONCENTRATED TRAINING. Training was also commenced in Gisborne and Dannevirke, but owing to lack of staff and equipment, the club has not been able to give these districts the attention demanded. To overcome this, a new machine was purchased, and the services of an assistent instructor secured. Shortly afterwards the new machine unfortunately crashed, and is now in a state of being repaired, after which training will be concentrated largely to meet the demands of both these districts. The standard of flying is as good as, if not better than, that of other clubs in New Zealand. The standard was the subject of favourable comment from the Director of Air Services at the time of examination. It is hoped to have another large batch of pupils ready for examination before the end of March. After inspection bv the Director of Air Services, the club was officially approved by the Government. An effort is now being made to give the new pupils further advanced training. A number of notable cross-country flights have been undertaken, places visited being Auckland, Waipiro Bay, Gisborne, Wairoa, Feilding, Rata, Wanganui, Eltham, New Plymouth, Waverley, Dannevirke, Martinborough, Wellington, Mangahao, Palmerston North, Blenheim, Christchurch, and Dunedin. A very successful pageant was held on April 27, aeroplanes visiting us from Hororata, Christchurch, Blenheim and Auckland. The club's Moth attended the Auckland pageant and both machines attended the Wellington pageant. It is anticipated that the club's next pageant will be held on April 5. 1930. EXTREMELY ACTXYE." The report acknowledged the club's indebtedness to the ladies who organised a ball ; to the Minister of Defence and the Air Force officers for their support, assistance and advice; as well as to sister clubs, for their co-operation. The club also thanks all who helped financially and by assisting in improving the aerodrome. The club cannot too strongly express their appreciation of those club members who first banded as a syndicate to purchase the first machine. The balance sheet and revenue account for the first year of the club's operations indicate that the club has been extremely active, and the fact that nearly £1600 has been earned in flights speaks volume's for the activity of Captain White. After depreciating the machines to the extent of £270 for the year, the club shows an accumulated surplus of assets over liabilities amounting to £559 9s, It is hoped that the third machine will be obtained from the Government on loan at an early date, which should enable the club to operate more satisfactorily than hitherto over a much wider area than has been possible up to the present. Members will be glad to learn that this club has now been gazetted by the New Zealand Government as one of the eleven recognised aviation authorities for the purpose of the Local Authorities Empowering (Aviation Encouragement) Act, 1929, and that it is now within the province of local bodies to assist the club financially in the purchase of land for an aerodrome. The report and balance-sheet were adopted with the following addition : — "That the Rt. _Hon. J. G. Coates, who officiated at the opening of the club. he thanked for his services. In accordance with his notice of motion, Mr O'Dowd moved that the name of the club be altered from "The Hawke's Bay Aero Club Incorporated" to "The Hawke's Bay and East Coast. Aero Club Incorporated." This alteration became necessary owing to the Government allowing only one club between Hastings and Gisborne. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following otficers were elected : — Patron, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates; president, Sir Andrew Russell ; vicepresidents, the Mayor of Hastings (Mr G. F. Roach). Sir George Hunter, M.P., the Hon. E. A. Ransom, M.P., Messrs H. M. Campbell, M.P., W. D. Lysnar. M.P.. W. E. Barnard. M.P.. K. S. Williams. M.P.. G. A. Maddison. W. C. Whitlock, T. Mason Chambers, J. S. McLeod, and the Minister of Defence for the time being; executive, Messrs H. C. Chambers. G. C. Field. R. M. Field. G. A. Field, D. H Newbigin, C. E. N. Smith. P. Fowler. T. W. White, G. A. Maddison. T W. O'Dowd; club captain. Mr H. C. Chambers: pilot instructor. Captain T. W. White; assistant pilot instructor, Flying Officer E. G. Olsen ; secretary and treasurer. Mr R. D. Brown ; auditor. Mr J. S. Butler.