First plane to land in Tauranga is surrounded by children as it floats near the shore. 1920

Date12 March 1920Reference NumberPhoto 99-133DescriptionThe Boeing Floatplane on Tauranga Harbour. The Bay of Plenty Times that day (March 12, 1920) reported “To-day witnessed the first visit of a seaplane to Tauranga, the occupants being Dr H. W. Cleary, Catholic Bishop of Auckland, and Mr G. B. Bolt, one of the pilots attached to the Auckland Flying School at Kohimarama Dr Cleary is making a pastoral visit to Tauranga, Ōpōtiki, and Whakatāne. After receiving mails for various places the machine, with Dr Cleary and Mr Bolt aboard, left the Queen's Wharf, Auckland, at 7 16 this morning for Port Charles, Tauranga, Whakatāne, and Ōpōtiki. The weather conditions were ideal. The seaplane passed Cape Colville at 7 50, and dropped a mail at Port Charles at eight o'clock from a height of about 800 ft. The machine followed the coast, and later the occupants obtained a full and clear view of Waihī and district. The seaplane turned in at the Bowentown Entrance at 9 17, and then made a wide detour over the Katikati district so as to give the residents an opportunity of viewing the machine, which at this time was flying at a height of about 1800 ft. About 9. 15 Mr Andrews, Manager of the Northern SS. Company, received a ring from Katikati that the seaplane had passed there. Almost immediately, the machine was seen away to the north-east. She crossed the extremity of Waikareao, then over the Domain and over the Military Cemetery to the harbour. With water below the pilot commenced to descend, taking a wide circle towards the eastern shore near Whareroa, and thence up the harbour, taking the water perfectly about opposite Victoria Wharf, sharp at 9. 30. The machine then rode quietly to the beach a little southward of the Town Wharf, just off the steps opposite the Commercial Hotel and a few yards from the breastwork, the tide being low”. Note the railway bridge under construction in the background. One of several aero craft themed photographs donated by Gavin Meadows. FormatPrintPhysical Descriptionblack and white copy printSource of AcquisitionGavin Meadows

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Kaitiakitanga StatementWe ask that, in addition to normal copyright and privacy considerations, users of our heritage resources uphold the mana and dignity of the people, communities and places depicted within.Cultural/Ethical StatusNoaRestrictionsNo cultural/ethical restrictions apply.CopyrightNo known copyrightAcknowledgementTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries Photo 99-133

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First plane to land in Tauranga is surrounded by children as it floats near the shore. 1920

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