Thames (NZ): Thames Aero Club 1947

In previous 1947 photographs, I was alerted to a large gathering at the Aero Club grounds. At first we thought it was a funeral. Now perhaps the mystery is solved, was this the day a new plane arrived, or the day when it was known that aerial photographs of the town would be taken.

Thames Aero Club, aircraft in flight, individuals unidentified 1947

Source: Whites Aviation Ltd :Photographs. Ref: WA-05798-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/30628250

A closer look at the crowd we see a policeman present t o control the crowds. A tent is pitched and a car visible (in the larger view above). Children eagerly await the plane, or is there more than one? Everyone is dressed for the occasion and the obligatory hats worn by some of the older men and women. The lady on the right keeping a close eye on the policeman's exchange with the young men.

ZK-AOB flies proudly in the sky above Thames.

......UPDATE....

According to the web page linked below, this Auster aircraft was registered on 19th Feb 1947
http://www.facebook.com/l.php...

 

ANOTHER PHOTO FROM THE DAY - 1 March 1947

 Full view Below

Source; Hauraki Aerodrome, Thames-Coromandel district, including crowds of people, motorcars and aircraft. Whites Aviation Ltd :Photographs. Ref: WA-05702-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/30650682