The Original Flyer?

Whilst the Wright Brothers are acknowledged as those who first conquered the challenge of powered flight, there's been rumblings in New Zealand for decades that Richard Pearse, a South Canterbury farmer and inventor, took to the skies first in March 1903, nine months before the date the history books were written at Kittyhawk.

Pearse was a quiet man, not interested in publicity. For years he contradicted himself, leading many to believe he did not take to the skies until 1904. There are however four witnessed flights before the end of May 1903 but unfortunately no evidence, photographic nor newspapers, exist.

With his self taught, can do attitude and modesty, you could say Pearse was the archetypal kiwi. But one who could fly....

This memorial in the form of a replica of Pearse's aircraft stands alongside the road at Waitohi near Temuka at the site at which the plane crash landed on its first flight. 

Was it on 31 March 1903? Perhaps we'll never know for sure...