OUT IN THE COLD

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 9, 10 May 1939, Page 5

OUT IN THE COLD

WHAKATANE AND AIR TRAVEL

NEED FOR AERODROME

The question of the aerodrome was ! again brought before the Whakatane Borough Council when, at its meeting on Monday night, Cr A. J. Canning said that they saw aeroplanes going overhead every day, and poor little Whakatane was out in the cold. Whakatane should bestir itself and approach the powers that be to see if something could not be done. Mr D. V. Saunders, town clerk, said that he had spoken to Mr R. H. Ronayne, District Public Works Engineer, on this matter. Mr Ronayne had told him that arrangements w?fe being made for an aerial survey of .Gobbie's property. Cr W. Sullivan thought that the original Awakeri site was certainly the most suitable. The objection to the scheme was the heavy cost to the local bodies, and he thought the. Government should be approached again for greater assistance. Cr Sullivan suggested meeting Mr Ronayne to discuss the matter. Cr Canning said that they had practically decided on the Awakeri site and he could not understand wiiy the Government had considered other sites. It would be a good idea to discuss 'the matter with,Mr Ronavne. The opportunity could also be take*n to discuss the site of the new bridge. This Avas a matter on which the people of Whakatane were entitled to be heard.

The Mayor said he thought thai the bridge site was almost decided on. Mr A. G. Hultquist M.P. had, however, conveyed a definite assurance to him that alternative schemes would be submitted to the council.