First Cook Strait flight on 25 August 1920
A DigitalNZ Story by Zokoroa
On 25 August 1920, the Canterbury (NZ) Aviation Company flew an airplane across the Cook Strait, creating a new era in aviation and in the delivery of mail between the North and South Islands.
Aircraft, Aviation, Cook Strait, Mail, Postal, Airmail, Planes, Aeroplanes, Pilots
On 25 August 1920, first air crossing & airmail service over Cook Strait achieved by Canterbury Aviation Company (CAC)
Crowd at Trentham Racecourse greeted the arrival of the plane which had departed from Blenheim at 11.55am & took 75 mins
Auckland Libraries
The Company's pilot Captain Euan Dickson had flown the 110-hp Le Rhone Avro from Blenheim to Wellington
L-R: Capt Dickson & two passengers: C.H. Hewlett (CAC Deputy Chairman) & James E. Moore (Chief Mechanic)
Air Force Museum of New Zealand
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It was a race to be first!
Canterbury Aviation Company vs New Zealand Flying School
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1. Canterbury Aviation Company (CAC)
On 20 Sept 1916, the Canterbury Aviation Company was established by Henry Wigram to train military & commercial pilots
National Library of New Zealand
Two single-seater & a dual control two-seater Caudron plane were ordered & work began on an airbase at Christchurch
Alexander Turnbull Library
In May 1917, Sockburn Airbase opened & Cecil Hill was chief flying instructor until his death on 1 Jan 1919
Hill had died during an aerial display when his plane broke apart. (Photo: Training underway with a Caudron plane)
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Post-WWI, CAC continued pilot training & began introducing passenger services:
In July 1919, CAC appointed RAF bomber pilot Euan Dickson as Director of Sockburn Aerodrome & chief flying instructor
With the help of Acting PM Sir James Allen, applications had been invited by the High Commissioner in London
National Library of New Zealand
British-born Dickson (1892) emigrated to NZ in 1912; then went to England & enlisted in military (July 1916 - 1919)
He initially served in Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS); obtained his pilot's licence & later joined the bomber squadron
Wikipedia
Dickson led c.100 of 175 bombing raids he was involved in during May 1917-Aug 1918 & was discharged from RAF in Nov 1919
He was awarded Distinguished Service Cross & Bar, Distinguished Flying Cross, & France’s Croix de Guerre
Canterbury Photography Museum
Before sailing for NZ on 14 Sept 1919, Dickson selected four Avro 504 K planes for pilot training & passenger flights
The 2-seater trainee biplanes were surplus to British Govt after WWI & sold by British Aircraft Disposal Board
Canterbury Museum
On 14 Sept 1919, Dickson left England on the 'Arawa' & the 4 Avro & spare engines travelled on another ship
Dickson arrived in NZ on 19 Nov followed by the Avros on 25 Nov
National Library of New Zealand
Capt Dickson's arrival at Christchurch on 19 Nov was noted by the Press and recounted by the Thames Star (6 Dec 1919)
Dickson shared his views on the increase in civil aviation & potential for NZ to have air services
National Library of New Zealand
During Dec 1919, Dickson began shortlisting landing places for passenger flights:
During Dec 1919, Dickson began shortlisting landing places in Sth Island for passenger flights to commence in Feb 1920
National Library of New Zealand
During reassembly, the Avro's rear cockpit was enlarged from one to two passenger seats behind a protective windscreen
The modification was done by CAC's chief mechanic James Moore
Air Force Museum of New Zealand
On 21 Jan 1920, after the first Avro was reassembled, Dickson went on short distance trial flights with CAC staff member
National Library of New Zealand
On 7 Feb 1920, CAC held an Aviation Day at Sockburn with aerial displays & passenger flights on two Avros
Article (10/2/1920) reported c.10,000 people visited the Aerodrome & 40 deep queues for the 2 passenger seats per plane
National Library of New Zealand
During 17 Feb - 2 March 1920, Dickson flew in stages from Christchurch to Ashburton to Invercargill to promote services
Short passenger flights & aerial displays were held & mail was delivered including from Chch Mayor to Ashburton Mayor
National Library of New Zealand
Historic first flight flown to Mt Cook during May 1920:
To aid a newly-formed company to plan flight services to Mt Cook, Dickson carried out an aerial survey with an Avro during May 1920. On Thursday 20 May 1920, Dickson flew from Sockburn in Christchurch to Fairlie - distance of c.100 miles with Mr Wigley, representing the new company, and Mr R. Banks, engineer to the Mackenzie County. The next day on 21 May, Dickson flew from Fairlie to Mt Cook (distance of c.50 miles); then without landing returned to Fairlie. On board were Mr T. D. Burnett (M.P. for Temuka) and another passenger. Then Dickson departed back to Christchurch with two other passengers. The historic flight and the passengers taken aboard at each stage were reported in the Sun newspaper. See: Papers Past: Sun (Christchurch) (20 May 1920), "Flight to Mt Cook; aerial survey being made" (Vol VII, Issue 1954, Page 11) A souvenir card of the flight, which included a photograph of the Avro and the six passengers' names, was produced.
![Image: New Zealand Aero Transport Company :Above the clouds; the new Mt Cook Aero Coy. Souvenir of the first flight to Mount Cook, May 1920. [Printed by] A B & Co. Ltd, Christchurch [1920]](https://images.digitalnz.org/MZ9kCmCmSj4oMBhEJbUCGtpP_Ss=/368x0/https%3A%2F%2Fndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz%2FNLNZStreamGate%2Fget%3Fdps_pid%3DIE3333554 "New Zealand Aero Transport Company :Above the clouds; the new Mt Cook Aero Coy. Souvenir of the first flight to Mount Cook, May 1920. [Printed by] A B & Co. Ltd, Christchurch [1920]")
During May 1929, Dickson flew first flight to Mt Cook for an aerial survey by a new company planning air services
Souvenir card included passengers' names from Chch - Fairlie (20 May); & Fairlie - Mt Cook & return; & to Chch (21 May)
Alexander Turnbull Library
CAC contemplating flying to the North Island during Spring (Sept-Nov) 1920:
On 16 June 1920, when Euan Dickson visited Wellington by ferry, he commented during an interview on a possible flight to Wellington during Spring [usually Sept to Nov] which was reported by the Ashburton Guardian (16 June 1920):
"In consequence of numerous inquiries being received for flights into the North Island," he said in an interview, "it is contemplated that in the coming spring I will fly from Christchurch to the North Island; landing either, at the Lower Hutt or Trentham. This trip would mean a stay at Kaikoura for a day or two to give joy rides there, and two or three days for the same purpose at Blenheim. A few days also would be spent at Wellington to give the people an opportunity of experiencing nights, but I cannot say anything definite yet as to the probable date of this inter-island flight. This flight would be the pioneer of a course or further nights, probably eventually as a passenger, cargo, and mail air service, which it is hoped to institute at a later date." Captain Dickson stated that he had come to Wellington with Mr Hewlett, deputy-chairman of the Canterbury Aviation Company, to see members of the Government in connection with aviation matters."
On 16 June 1920, when visiting Wellington by ferry, Dickson spoke of flying to Wellington possibly in Spring
He saw the proposed initial flight as a precursor to passenger, cargo & possibly airmail services in the future
National Library of New Zealand
2. New Zealand Flying School (NZFS)
In Oct 1915, the Walsh brothers established the New Zealand Flying School (NZFS) in Auckland to train military pilots
Vivian & Leo Walsh operated their private flying school at Kohimarama on Waitematā Harbour
MOTAT
On 31 May 1919, NZFS pilot George Bolt flew an experimental flight from Auckland to Russell in a Boeing floatplane
The flight covered a distance of 233 kms (c.145 miles) setting a national record distance
Alexander Turnbull Library
NZFS began NZ's first official airmail flights in Dec 1919:
NZ's first official airmail flight was authorised by the NZ Government in December 1919 following a request by the NZ Post and Telegraph Department. The flight was flown by NZFS on 19 December 1920 from Auckland to Dargaville. For a summary of the airmail flight trials held in the North Island by NZFS during 1919- 1920, see: Airmails of New Zealand: Powered flight in New Zealand: 1914-1919 and The Internal Flights (1920-1929)
On 16 Dec 1919, NZ's first official airmail flight trial authorised by NZ Govt was held between Auckland & Dargaville
Trial was requested by NZ Post & Telegraph Dpt. Bolt flew a Boeing twin-float seaplane accompanied by NZFS's Leo Walsh.
MOTAT
Image: Pilot George Bolt loading the first airmail bag on the Boeing seaplane's flight for Dargaville, 16 Dec 1919
MOTAT
On 24 Feb 1920, first aerial mail service occurred between Auckland & Thames
Trial flights were also held from Auckland to Whangarei (1 March); and Auckland to Dargaville (8 March)
Auckland Libraries
On 12-15 March 1920, Bolt flew Boeing with passenger Bishop Cleary & mail to Port Charles, Tauranga, Whakatāne & Ōpōtiki
It was a Special Charter flight by Rt Rev. H.W. Cleary (Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland) to visit parts of diocese
Tauranga City Libraries
Passenger flights began to be held on De Havilland DH.6 purchased in March 1920:
In March 1920, NZFS purchased DH.6 from returning soldier Stan Hatten who bought it & 2 spare engines & parts in England
NZFS had reassembled DH.6 for Hatten in Feb 1920 & the plane's first flight was held over Auckland on 22 Feb
Feilding Library
On 9 April 1920, NZFS's DH.6, which has one passenger seat, was flown to Hamilton to hold passenger flights
The passenger flights & the delight of a woman who flew twice was reported by the Poverty Bay Herald (16 April)
National Library of New Zealand
On 9 April 1920, Bolt began mail flights to Russell on the Boeing seaplane, followed by other destinations during 1920
Flights included: Auckland to Awanui (9-10 April); & Auckland to Kawhia (12-13 April) chartered by Bishop Cleary
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
DH.6 shipped to Gisborne for passenger flights scheduled for 13-15 May 1920:
On 6 May 1920, DH.6 arrived by ship at Gisborne for passenger flights by Lt Woods on 13-15 May; & was damaged on 13 May
After its third flight on 13 May, the DH.6's undercarriage was damaged on landing & replacement parts sent from Auckland
National Library of New Zealand
On 3 June 1920, passenger flights resumed on the repaired DH.6 with NZFS pilot George Bolt who'd arrived in Gisborne
National Library of New Zealand
Flights to East Coast & Hawkes Bay through to Wellington, 13 June - 19 Aug 1920
Flights were also held from Gisborne to the East Coast by NZFS pilot Capt. Richard Russell who joined Bolt in Gisborne
The DH.6 was flown by Capt Richard Russell to Tolaga Bay (12 June) & Tokomaru Bay (17 June)
National Library of New Zealand
On 19 June, DH.6 was flown from Gisborne to Napier by Bolt but had engine trouble en route & arrived the next day
As Bolt was due at Auckland for a flight for Bishop Cleary, Russell sailed from Gisborne to Napier to take over as pilot
National Library of New Zealand
Richard Russell & Vivian Walsh flew from Napier to hold passenger flights in Hawkes Bay during late July - 18 Aug
The aims of the flights were to promote NZFS's services & the safety of flying; & to survey possible future routes
MOTAT
On 27 July 1920, they stopped at Dannevirke to hold flights - fare £5 5s. (Image: First joy-ride passenger: Mr Hibbard)
Walsh then travelled ahead by car to Palmerston Nth & Hibbard's 15 yr old daughter Violet flew with Russell
Palmerston North City Library
On 31 July, Russell left Dannevirke & arrived at Palmerston North at midday to a welcome by a crowd & the Mayor Mr Nash
Pasenger flights were held over Palmerston North & flights were also made from Palmerston North to Fielding & Whanganui
Palmerston North City Library
On 17 Aug, Russell flew from Palmerston North to Fielding where further passenger flights were held at the racecourse
Walsh left Palmerston North by car to travel on to Wellington & Russell took a passenger on the DH.6 to Fielding
National Library of New Zealand
DH.6's arrival at Fielding was captured by photographer Bert Hobday who then paid £15 to be 1st passenger over Fielding
Hobday bolted his Graflex Pressman Camera to the side of the dual-seat & took aerial photos
Feilding Library
On 19 Aug 1920, Russell flew on to Wellington where he landed the DH.6 at the Hutt Park racecourse in Petone
After arriving at Petone by car from Palmerston North, Walsh rejoined Russell
National Library of New Zealand
In July 1920, NZFS received six Avro 504 donated by NZ Govt which were gifted by British Govt:
In July 1920, NZ Govt donated to NZFS six Avro 504 K's (Gnome engines), 3 sets of sea plane floats, & two Airco DH.9s
Post-WWI, Imperial Gift of surplus planes was given by British Govt for British Dominions & NZ Govt received 33 aircraft
MOTAT
NZFS made plans to fly from Wellington to Nelson & Marlborough in late Aug 1920:
NZFS made plans for Russell to fly one of the Avro from Wellington to Nelson & Marlborough during late August 1920
Russell & Walsh waited in Wellington for the arrival of the Avro
Auckland Libraries
Avro sent by rail with Bolt from Auckland to Wellington for arrival on 24 Aug 1920
NZFS sent by rail an Avro in crates from Auckland to Wellington accompanied by George Bolt for arrival on 24 Aug 1920
MOTAT
Whilst awaiting the arrival of the Avro, Russell took passengers on aerial flights on DH.6 on weekend of 21-22 August
The DH.6 was flown from the Hutt Park racecourse in Petone over Wellington
National Library of New Zealand
On 24 Aug, after the Avro arrived by rail, it was reassembled by Bolt, Russell & Walsh at the Hutt Park racecourse
Hutt City Libraries
On 25 Aug, an advert by the Walsh Bros promoted daily flights by the Avro and de Havilland (DH.6) from Hutt Park
The flights were to start at 10am & cost 5 guineas (See Evening Post, 25 Aug 1920)
National Library of New Zealand
During overnight gale, NZFS's Avro was slightly damaged & DH.6 wrecked
During the night before the scheduled flights on 25 August 1920, there had been a southerly gale. NZFS's Avro, which was moored outside, had been lightly damaged and was able to be repaired. However, the gale had severely damaged NZFS's DH.6 plane. The latter incident was reported by the Dominion. (See: Papers Past: Dominion (28 Aug 1920): "Local and General", v. 13, Issue 287, p. 6)
A mishap occurred in the recent gale to the De Haviland aeroplane belonging to the Walsh Brothers, of the Auckland Flying School. The machine was moored in the open, but apparently not quite securely moored. The wind bore it from its moorings, raised it like a kite about fifty feet in the air, and then the machine fell on its back. The damage was considerable, the top plane being broken badly. The damaged machine is the one which was flown down from Auckland to Wellington.
During a gale the night before 25 Aug, NZFS's Avro had been slightly damaged & the DH.6 severely damaged
The Avro was repairable but the DH.6 was a wreck - it had broken its moorings & was flung into the air & hit the ground
Wairarapa Archive
3. CAC decided to beat NZFS & flew from Christchurch on Wed 25 Aug 1920
On Fri 20 Aug 1920, CAC heard Russell was in Wellington & decided to beat NZFS across Cook St rather than go in Spring
MOTAT
CAC urgently contacted Capt Dickson to fly from Christchurch to Wellington in one of their Avro
The plane he was to pilot was an Avro 504K with a Le Rhone 110 h.p. engine
Canterbury Photography Museum
Dickson was in Rangiora with chief mechanic James Moore to hold flights in one of the Avro over the weekend (21-22 Aug)
Auckland Libraries
Flight preparations from Christchurch occurred on 23-24 Aug 1920:
On the morning of Monday 23 August 1920, Captain Dickson and chief mechanic James Moore returned to Sockburn after spending the weekend holding passenger flights in Rangiora. During a later interview, Moore recounted the preparations for the flight from Sockburn in Christchurch to Wellington:
"On my arrival at Sockburn, Captain Dickson asked me: 'What about Wellington in the morning?' I replied that it could not be done until the engine and plane had been gone over and necessary adjustments made. It was decided to push off on Wednesday morning. Monday afternoon I spent in looking over the engine and plane, and found that adjustments were necessary, which would occupy Tuesday morning and afternoon. Emergency gear, etc., had to be collected and made fast in the 'bus."
Source: Papers Past: Marlborough Express (2 Sept 1920). 'Steering north", (Vol LIV, Issue 208, Page 3)
On Mon 23 Aug at 10.40am, Dickson landed from Rangiora at Sockburn, & Moore travelled by car arriving at 11.45am
Auckland Libraries
Dickson suggested departing for Wellington the next morning (Tues 24 Aug) but Moore said the Avro needed to be checked
On Mon afternoon, Moore checked the Avro & made adjustments during Tuesday, including emergency gear
Air Force Museum of New Zealand
On Wed 25 Aug 1920, Dickson & Moore boarded the Avro accompanied by C.H. Hewlett (CAC's Deputy Chairman)
Company wanted to survey suitable landing & refuelling places for mail & commercial passenger services
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Capt Dickson's flight log book recorded departure & arrival times en route:
Captain Euan Dickson's flight log book recorded the Avro's departure and arrival times at places stopped en route from Christchurch to Blenheim and from Blenheim across the Cook Strait to Wellington; and the return journey to Christchurch. The log book is held by the Air Force Museum of New Zealand at Wigram. The Museum's blog has a post on Dickson's flight and a photo of his log book. See: Simon Moody (19 Aug 2020), "Cook Strait: the first flight", Air Force Museum of New Zealand: https://airforcemuseum.co.nz/blog/cook-strait-the-first-flight/
Dickson's flight log book recorded departure & arrival times en route & is held by the Air Force Museum of NZ at Wigram
Christchurch City Libraries
Departed Christchurch on Wed 25 Aug 1920 at 7am:
On Wed 25 Aug at 7am, they departed from Sockburn in Christchurch for first two scheduled stops at Kaikoura & Blenheim
As Kaikoura & Blenheim did not have airports, they'd prearranged to land on farms at both places to refuel
National Library of New Zealand
At 8.50am, just before Kaikoura, they had unscheduled fuel stop at Mr Bullen's 'The Elms' at Kahautara River Flats
Gusty north-easterly winds had depleted their fuel. They could only obtain a small supply of benzine (& a cup of tea).
Auckland Libraries
At 9.35am, they left 'The Elms' & arrived at Kaikoura at 9.40am where landed on Barney Mackle's farm to fully refuel
A small crowd greeted them as they'd not widely publicised their trip; & they had morning tea & cakes
National Library of New Zealand
At 10.20am, they departed for Blenheim & landed at 11.50am on Robert Allan's 'Drumclog' farm on Dillons Point Rd
Small fires had been lit to guide them to the farm at Blenheim. (Image: Drumclog farm during wheat harvesting)
Auckland Libraries
Departed Blenheim at 12.55pm to cross Cross Strait:
At 12.55pm, they departed Blenheim & flew along the coast to Arapawa Island & onwards across Cook Strait to Wellington
At their departure from Blenheim, the small crowd that greeted their arrival had increased to 200-300 people
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Near Arapawa Is, they flew a new altitude of 6,000 feet during 10-15 min stretch of cloud; then descended to 4,500 feet
They'd flown past Port Underwood, Robertson Point, & Rununder Point before Wellington Head on Arapawa Island
V.C. Browne & Son
As they crossed over Cook Strait to Wellington, Dickson noted they did not see any vessels beneath them
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
At c.2pm, they flew over Petone & were seen by NZFS's Bolt, Russell & Walsh at Hutt Park when reassembling their Avro
Dickson saw NZFS's DH.6 & Avro on the ground at the Hutt Park racecourse
Alexander Turnbull Library
When flying over Wellington, they were seen by the public & MPs who'd arrived for Parliament, & did aerial displays
An account of the plane's arrival & aerial displays was reported by the Ashburton Guardian (26 Aug 1920)
National Library of New Zealand
In the House of Representatives, MP Glenn asked if it was true that Capt Dickson had arrived by aeroplane
Govt hadn't been notified beforehand, but PM William Massey "understood it was a fact" & Postmaster-General confirmed
National Library of New Zealand
Landed in Wellington at Trentham racecourse at 2.10pm:
At 2.10pm, after 75 min flight from Blenheim, they landed at Trentham racecourse in Upper Hutt, & were met by a crowd
Caretaker Joseph Scott had lit small smoke fires to guide them of the wind direction on the ground
Upper Hutt City Library
A photograph of the Avro & those who'd been onboard. (L-R: Dickson, Hewlett & Moore)
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Dickson was handed congratulatory telegrams including on behalf of Hon J. G. Coates sent by Avon MP Dan Sullivan
Dickson replied to Coates' telegram saying, "Many thanks for telegram. Owe much to my mechanic."
National Library of New Zealand
Dickson had intended to depart Wellington at 4pm but decided to rest up until the next day & have lunch at Trentham Camp
They'd been met by Colonel C. Guy Powles & Adjutant, Lt. Dove & invited to lunch at Trentham Camp's officers' mess
Auckland Libraries
Dickson & Hewlett visited Hutt Park racecourse to meet the NZFS team:
After lunch at the Trentham Military Camp, Dickson and Hewlett journeyed into Wellington. Moore remained behind to stake down and take care of their Avro plane at the Trentham racecourse.
After lunch, Dickson & Hewlett headed into Wellington & stopped at Lower Hutt on the way
Meanwhile, their plane was staked down & left under the care of Moore at the Trentham racecourse
Auckland Libraries
Dickson and Hewlett called into Hutt Park where the NZFS team had been working their own Arvo after it was railed to Wellington from Auckland. The Evening Post reported the next day:
Northern and Southern aviators met at Hutt Park on the return trip, where Captain Dickson met Messrs. Vivian Walsh, G. Bolt, and Captain Russell, who were busy on the machine with which they proposed to fly the Strait. They had a good-natured reference to their respective fortunes, and the Aucklanders offered to provide an escort for part of the way back next day.
Dickson & Hewlett called into Hutt Park & met with Bolt, Russell & Walsh whose Avro was lightly damaged during the gale
Evening Post (26 Aug 1920) reported meeting was good-natured & Dickson was offered an escort part of way back next day
National Library of New Zealand
Dickson interviewed on the flight northwards from Christchurch to Wellington:
Dickson gave a detailed description to a Dominion reporter of the flight from Christchurch & the arrival at Wellington
The interview was recounted by the Ashburton Guardian (26 Aug 1920)
National Library of New Zealand
Media reported new air records (6000 ft altitude) & flight time (c.4 hours & 20 mins) from Christchurch to Wellington
Flight time excluded stoppage times. (According to Airforce Museum's website, the flying time was 4 hours & 57 minutes)
National Library of New Zealand
4. Return journey across the Cook Strait, Saturday 28 August 1920
Departed from Wellington to Blenheim – the first from north to south across Cook Strait:
On Sat 28 Aug 1920 at 3.10pm, Dickson & Moore left on the return journey whilst Hewlett stayed on longer in Wellington
Meterological Office had advised of adverse weather that week & they departed on Sat afternoon when fine spell occurred
National Library of New Zealand
Dickson brought mail from Wellington with the words "Aerial Post" stamped on the envelopes, to testify route taken
National Library of New Zealand
At 4.15pm, they arrived at Blenheim which was in record time (10 mins less than 75 min flight to Wellington)
During the reception, Dickson mentioned they intended to stay till Wed or Thurs for passenger flights & aerial displays
National Library of New Zealand
Stayed at Blenheim to give passenger flights & aerial demos until 4 Sept 1920:
They ended up staying until Sat 4 Sept & held short passenger flights & aerial displays at Adams Bros Ltd paddock
Description of first passenger flight (Mon 30 Aug: 11am) which was 6 mins long, was reported by Marlborough Express
National Library of New Zealand
Advert (Mon 30 Aug) stated there was to be an exhibition flight on Wed, as well as passenger flights
Cost: Admission to Ground: 1s; Children: 6d; & Flights: £2.20 each
National Library of New Zealand
On 30 Aug 1920, Dickson's views were asked by Marlborough Chamber of Commerce on having a Blenheim Aerodrome for airmail
He discussed issues including the costs involved & having trained aircrew; & proposed flat land be found for flights
National Library of New Zealand
On 31 Aug 1920, Dickson & Moore were guests at an evening function by Marlborough Garage Proprietors' Assoc in Blenheim
Dickson recounted being a WWI pilot & returning to NZ, & outlined issues facing development of aviation industry in NZ
National Library of New Zealand
When asked during the function about viability of an airport in Marlborough, Dickson discussed costs & where to locate
His comments, which appeared in the Marlborough Express, were recounted by the Evening Post (1 Sept 1920)
National Library of New Zealand
On Wed 1 Sept 1920 at 3.30pm, Dickson held a stunt flying demo which about 1200 people paid to view
The Marlborough Express reported about an equal number of people observed from the road
National Library of New Zealand
On 2 Sept 1820, an Express reporter's interview with Moore (Avro's mechanic) on the flight to Wellington was published
Moore said that Dickson's skill as a pilot was needed to use a map & compass when flying above clouds
National Library of New Zealand
On 3 Sept 1930, Dickson accompanied by others went by motor vehicle to Picton for luncheon with the Mayor & Councillors
The Mayor hoped a landing place would be found at Picton or seaplanes used but Dickson said there was lack of flat land
National Library of New Zealand
An account of their stay in Blenheim included popularity of the flights whereby "about 250 'joy-riders'" participated
See article by Evening Post, 6 Sept 1920)
National Library of New Zealand
Meanwhile, NZFS flew its Avro & replacement DH6 with passengers in Wellington area:
On 29 August 1920, NZFS's Avro was flown for the first time from Hutt Park & gave passenger flights
National Library of New Zealand
NZFS also arranged for a replacement DH.6 plane to arrive from Auckland on 2 Sept to give passenger flights (see image)
Auckland Libraries
Dickson departed Blenheim (10.43am) & landed at Kaikoura (11.54am) on Sat 4 Sept:
At 9am on Mon 4 Sept, Dickson & Moore attended farewell by Marlborough Chamber of Commerce who gave wallets of money
Copies of the Chamber's "Marlborough the Golden" booklet were also signed by the Council to give to Christchurch Council
National Library of New Zealand
They were also given first airmail from Blenheim which also included civic greetings from Marlborough to Canterbury
Letters were sent by the Mayor, Deputy Mayor & Marlborough Chamber of Commerce (See article: 7 Sept 1920)
National Library of New Zealand
At 10.43 am on Sat 4 Sept, Dickson & Moore left Blenheim & landed at Kaikoura at 11.54 am where stayed until Mon 6 Sept
Auckland Libraries
Also on board was passenger Mrs Limbrick of Blenheim who described her 'glorious' flight to Kaikoura
National Library of New Zealand
Departed Kaikoura (10am) & arrived at Christchurch (11.55am) on Mon 6 Sept 1920:
The Avro's arrival back at Christchurch and the welcoming reception was reported by newspapers. When the Avro was first sighted it was also given an aerial welcome by another CAC Avro, as recounted by the Lyttelton Times:
The first glimpse of the machine apparently low down, was caught through field glasses a little before 12 o'clock. Immediately Captain D. Gray set off in another Avro, with Mr G. E. Rhodes as passenger, to give an aerial welcome. The outgoing machine became gradually smaller and the incoming machine bigger as they were indistinctly outlined against heavy cloud banks. Then Captain Gray turned, and oame on slightly behind the northern machine. There was a good deal of excitement as they came nearer. Captain Cray put his machine into a couple of dives and banks that took off the pace, and the weather-beaten Avro that had ridden out such severe storms at Trentham came very easily to rest with the passengers waving gaily and the pilot looking very cheerful in the front seat.
On Mon 6 Sept 1920, they departed Kaikoura at 10am & arrived Christchurch at 11.55am to an aerial & a formal welcome
Aerial welcome was given by a CAC Avro; & during the formal ceremony 2 mailbags carried for Postal Dept were handed over
National Library of New Zealand
5. What happened to forming the aero mail service in Canterbury?
The South Canterbury syndicate was formed in 1920 to establish an aerial mail and passenger service
The Air Board proposed to Minister of Defence that planes be loaned to the syndicate, 13 Sept 1920
National Library of New Zealand
Jan 1921: Cabinet approved aerial mail service contracts to Canterbury Aviation Company (for Chch, Ashburton & Timaru)
Northern contract (Auckland to Whangarei) was let to the New Zealand Flying School Co., Auckland (Messrs, Walsh Bros)
National Library of New Zealand
On 31 Jan 1921, Dickson flew the first flight of the Canterbury Aviation Company’s new airmail service
As the venture wasn't profitable, on 2 April 1921 the Postmaster of Christchurch announced the service would cease
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
In 1923, Govt purchased the land & assets from the Canterbury Aviation Company for its newly formed Air Force
Photo: Group posing during the handover in front of an Avro 504k at Sockburn Aerodrome, which was renamed Wigram
Auckland Libraries
6. Commemorative events & memorabilia
Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision (2020) Sarah Johnston plays recordings of 100th anniversary & other Cook Strait flights
(26 Aug 2020: 10mins 30 secs)
Radio New Zealand
RNZ article (2020) by Tracy Neal: Cook Strait's first flight commemorated with re-enactment
The centennial was also marked with tea and scones at the Marlborough Aero Club in Omaka
Radio New Zealand
RNZ recording of Euan Dickson aired on anniversary of 25 August
RNZ audio: Jim Sullivan "Euan Dickson makes the first Cook Strait flight, 25th of August 1920" (1.44 mins: No date)
Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision
Spark plug from the Avro in a presentation box with note signed by Dickson
Held by the Alexander Turnbull Library
Alexander Turnbull Library
Photograph of the Avro & those who'd been on board during Cook St crossing is held by the Air Force Museum of NZ
Air Force Museum of New Zealand
Booklet by Henry Wigram, "Aviation in New Zealand", printed by Lyttelton Times Co Ltd, {1923] (15 pages)
Held by MOTAT; National Library of NZ; Alexander Turnbull Library; Parliamentary Library & Massey Univ Library
MOTAT
Find out more:
'First flight across Cook Strait', URL: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/page/first-flight-across-cook-strait, (Ministry for Culture and Heritage), updated 24-Aug-2020
Jennifer Eder (23 Aug 2020): Sunday Star Times: 'A bomber pilot's daring flight: Marking 100 years since the first Cook Strait air crossing' | Stuff
Papers Past: Lyttelton Times (7 Sept 1920), 'Avro returns: End of pioneer flight: Airmen congratulated' (Vol CXVIII, Issue 18507, p.6): Papers Past | Newspapers | Lyttelton Times | 7 September 1920 | AVRO RETURNS.
Peter Aimer, 'Aviation - Early flying feats', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/aviation/page-2
Sam Kilmister (31 July 2020), 'Photographer's grandson marks 100 years since first flight from Feilding'; Stuff.co.nz
Simon Moody, (19/8/2020), 'Cook Strait: The First Flight', Air Force Museum, URL: https://www.airforcemuseum.co.nz/blog/cook-strait-the-first-flight/
Simon Moody (29/01/2021), 'New Zealand’s First Scheduled Air Mail Service', Air Force Museum of New Zealand, URL: https://www.airforcemuseum.co.nz/blog/new-zealands-first-scheduled-air-mail-service/
This DigitalNZ story was updated in July 2026