Auckland looks to the skies

AUCKLAND: It will be remembered that last year a series of attempts to solve the problem of the air was made in Auckland, and that a local syndicate went so far as to import a Farman machine from the Old Country. The attempt, however, was not crowned with success, and latterly the costly machine has been relegated to a storage shed.

Within the past few days there has arrived in Auckland Mr R.Claude Couturier, licensed aviator, and a graduate from Mr Wright. Mr Couturier, having ascertained that such an aeroplane existed in Auckland, has entered into negotiations with the local syndicate, of which Mr Geo. Henning is the principal, to take the machine in hand for the purpose of making a flight.

"I have had a look at the machine," he said to a Star reporter, "and have found that it's all right. The only thing needed is someone with a knowledge of the air to make it fly. That I can undertake to do, and if the syndicate will allow me my experience will be placed at their disposal."

The visitor displayed his licence with the Aero Club of America, and explained that he had come to New Zealand with the idea of ascertaining the possibilities of establishing an aviation school either in this dominion or in Australia.

• INVERCARGILL: The progress that the dairying industry is making in Southland has again been strikingly evidenced by the fact that factory directors from time to time are finding it necessary to extend their buildings and also by the fact that efforts are being made to make more of the by-products. The latest instance is that of the Mataura dairy factory, which has been considerably enlarged, and which now has a whey butter plant in operation. The factory now has several vats, and has room for three more, and can, if necessary, now cope with a daily intake of 8000 gallons.

• Regarded as a class there are no more consistent and liberal contributors to the Palmerston Hospital Funds than the Chinese residents. Year by year they make a generous donation to the institution entirely of their own volition, and their action is more appreciated by the authorities inasmuch as it is by no means a return for benefits received, comparatively small use being made by the Chinese of the hospital.

• It takes a flood to make us all akin (says the Clutha Leader). On Thursday men of all degrees united in the work at the protective bank; there were ministers, doctors, lawyers, shopmen, blacksmiths, tradesmen, and labourers toiling shoulder to shoulder and not a few of the soft-handed did good work.

- ODT, 31.10.1912.

 

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