Newspaper Article 1964 – Hawke’s Bay Aviation Pioneer Dies

HAWKE’S BAY AVIATION PIONEER DIES

HASTINGS, June 11 (“The Dominion” Reporter). – A man who was claimed to have landed the first aeroplane on the old Napier aerodrome and who was well known for his diversified sporting activities, died recently. He was Mr. Dudley Harwood [Harmood] Newbigin who, for most of his life, took an active part in the administration of’ the brewery bearing the family name at Hastings.

Educated at the Croydon Preparatory School, Wellington, and Christ’s College, Christchurch, Mr. Newbigin pioneered aviation in Hawke’s Bay and was a foundation member of the Hawke’s Bay and East Coast Aero Club. A boxer in his youth, Mr Newbigin in later years became president of the New Zealand Boxing Council.

Mr. Newbigin rode to hunts before the days of horse floats. He amused followers at one meet by bringing his horse in a “mobile crate.” Before long many others were following his example.

Mr. Newbigin excelled at golf and polo and was an excellent shot. His extensive travels took him around the world three times. He was among the New Zealanders who followed the All Blacks in their 1924 tour of the British Isles.

He is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters.