Info on Muriel Dutton

[linda]

Hi,
My name is Linda Pond. I would like to find out more about my aunty( my fathers sister). I understand that she was the first woman topdresser in NZ? Does any one have a photo?
My e-mail address is [e-mail]

[chinapilot]

Don't know if it is the same lady but a NAC/ANZ pilot John Harpin married,who from memory, was the first female ag pilot.
Last I heard he was still in Auckland so a check in the White Pages may help.

[Deane B]

Hi Linda. The only info I have is from the book "The Topdressers". Muriel was indeed the first female topdresser in NZ, starting in April 1956. By the end of 1956 she had moved to Auckland, married another topdressing pilot Rex Bolton then they both moved to Australia where both Rex and Terry Dutton (Muriels brother) operated their own business. I will send you an email with all the info I have.

[studentpilot]

Contact Conrad Boulton of Wee Waa NSW, Australia.

[kiwibeavers]

Wee Waa is 40km West of Narrabri which is 538 km North West of Sydney.

Bolton Conrad & Beryl
[phone]
Lot197/ Alma St Wee Waa NSW2388
[phone] Fax
0427 953 000 Mobile Service

It's in my neck of the woods so if you want any help, just PM me.
Good luck,
Graeme

[Dave Homewood]

I just happened upon this from THE PRESS newspaper, dated 21 MARCH 1956.

Woman Topdressing Pilot

A woman believed to be the only woman aerial topdresser in New Zealand, Miss Muriel Dutton, is now flying topdressing aircraft in Taranaki. Miss Dutton, who also is the only woman flying instructor in New Zealand, has been aerial topdressing for the last eight or nine months. She began her flying lessons with the Auckland Aero Club in 1949, eventually flying solo at Broken Hill, Australia. She subsequently gained her commercial pilot’s licence at a training school at Wanganui.

[davidd]

Well spotted Dave!

[thomarse]

These posts interest me, but for a reason - this appears to be another one of those cases where someone ("Linda") joined, started a thread asking a question, then never returned to look for answers. Strange indeed...

I've love to know more about Muriel Dutton.