As of Nov. 2, 1909, Richard Pearse had not performed any flight
1) "
Mr Richard Pearse, son of Mr Diggory Pearse, the well-known farmer, of Waitohi, expects to make the trial flight of his monoplane in a very few days now. He has been working on the airship for a long time, and is confident that he has got over many difficulties. The frame is of bamboo, the wings of strong calico, and the motor is of 24 horse-power. The trial flight will be made from a paddock which is in young wheat, but the direction is not as yet been determined upon."
Source:
Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 14046,
2 November 1909, Page 5, see:
http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi...itohi+flight--
2) "
A young South Canterbury farmer, who has for some years past been working in secret in an endeavour to perfect a flying machine, considers that he has now nearly reached the goal at which he is aiming. He intends to make a trial flight with his airship at an early date. The framework of the ship is of bamboo, the wings all of calico, and the propelling power is a 24-h.p. motor. The inventor is Mr Richard Pearse, of Waitohi."
Source:
- Press, Volume V, Issue 13570, 3 November 1909, Page 6, see:
Papers Past ? Press ? 3 November 1909 ? NEWS OF THE DAY.
- Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12691, 9 November 1909, Page 2, see:
http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi...itohi+flight--
- Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9067, 10 November 1909, Page 4, see:
http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi...itohi+flight--