Aviation fever flys faster than wind

LONDON: The Misses Katie and Dorothy Finch, of Dunedin, will be able to claim the distinction of being the first lady aviators from the Dominion. They both had very exciting and enjoyable experiences at Brooklands on Saturday on a Bristol biplane, and so far as one can gather no other New Zealand lady has yet ventured in an aeroplane.

A representative of the Otago Daily Times interviewed the young ladies at Stanhope Gardens, South Kensington, a day or two ago, and found them none the worse for their adventure. In fact, they declared that the flying was "simply lovely," and that they had never enjoyed anything so much in their lives before. They were going to try to persuade their mother to venture. Mrs Finch, who came to England with her daughters last May, assured me that she preferred to remain on firm ground.

Miss Katie Finch was the first to fly, and she was followed by her sister, Miss Dorothy Finch. Both young ladies were indebted for the experience to Mr Fleming, of the Bristol School. The machine was a Bristol biplane, constructed similarly to the Farman. Each was up for ten minutes, and went round the Brooklands course six times.

Miss Dorothy Finch said the day was windy, but toward the evening the wind fell, and they were told they would be able to fly. They had to take off their hats and wear very tight veils, while it was a matter of some difficulty to climb into the small seat. A hobble skirt would be quite useless for any lady going in for aviation. At first the sisters were astonished at the noise of the propellor, which made conversation impossible, but as the machine got into the air they were absolutely entranced by the sensation of flight.

"There is absolutely nothing like it," declared Miss Katie Finch. The machine went as smoothly as possible, and it was far more comfortable than going up or down in a lift. It was very weird flying over the country and looking at all the people down below.

By the time Miss Dorothy had finished her journey darkness had set in, and the many lights at Brooklands made a great effect. Both sisters admit that they have the aviation fever very badly, but they recognise that the pastime is an expensive one. The cheapest machine costs 1150, and the fee for learning is more than 50, but they hope to go up again, and they are using their persuasions on their friends to do likewise. Nothing but "aviation" is talked at Brooklands.

Should any other topic be introduced the offender is summarily dealt with and the conversation reverts at once to flying. Mrs Finch expects to remain in England until next March.

 - ODT, 30.10.1911