Celebrating first flight across the ditch
The first aeroplane flight across the Tasman from Australia to New Zealand in 1928 is showcased in a display of stamps and other memorabilia at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ in Levin this month.
The display, which is the work of a member of the Horowhenua Philatelic Society, marks the 90th anniversary of the historic event.
It tells the story of Australian pilots Charles Kingsford Smith and Charles Um’s journey across the Tasman Sea that took about 15 hours compared with the approximately three hours’ flight time today.
While the names of these two men were well known for their ventures, a lesser known fact is that the radio operator on the flight was a Mr McWilliams from the Wellington Union Steam Ship Company radio school in Wellington.
“Stamp collecting or philately, is a hobby enjoyed by many people of all ages,” Horowhenua Philatelic Society President Peter Holmes said. “The range of themes of their collection is far reaching.
“This exhibition is a wonderful example of what can be achieved by enthusiasts, from the researching of a subject to the final display.”
The collector who owns much of the material on display, who wishes to remain anonymous, said he had been collecting since childhood and had been a member of the stamp club for 34 years.
“I am more into postal history, which is why I collect newspaper articles, coins as well as stamps and first day covers,” he said.
“I had a lot of boxes full of material and when something takes my fancy I go through and put something together.
“I knew the Kingsford Smith flight’s 90th was coming up a few years ago and have been actively looking for things to collect. I knew already had a few bits and pieces by then.
“I am collector who accumulates things and eventually does something with that.”
The Horowhenua Philatelic Society meets at 7.30pm on the second Monday of the month at the Citizens Hall, 144 Cambridge Street, Levin. All welcome.
■ For further information call Margaret Clarke 368-9881 or Peter Holmes 927-9902.