AERODROME PROSPECTS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 33, 15 December 1944, Page 5

AERODROME PROSPECTS

COUNTY AND BOROUGH

INTERESTS

•JOINT COMMITTEE MEETS

The first meeting of County and Borough delegates for the purpose of investigating' the prospects of the establishment of a district aerodrome for Whakatane took place the Mayor ; Mr B. S. presiding. The outcome was that a conisiderably better understanding -on the question of finance was "arrived a-t and delegates were 'Unanimous in the decision that the committed should do its utmost to link the d'istrilct up with the future air route of the

Dominion.

In opening the the chairman said that it might be advisable to briefly set out the points upon which the two bodies were agi*eed:—

(1) Neither body will contribute any 01 its own funds to the project.

(2) In the event of a future dc* cision which might involve contribution towards an aerodrome project and loan moneys being involved? that no loan shall be raised without reference to the ratepayers of the authority concernecf.

(3) In the course of development of post-war commercial aviation it as desirable that Whakatane and district should be. served by an aerodrome, and that everything possible should be done to have an aerodrome established locally.

(4) That the establishment of an Airport Board here is not neces-' sary there being the two bodies only concerned; furthermore, full enabling powers, at least for the are contained in the Local Authorities Empowering (Aviation Act, 1929.

A discussi-on ensued touching upon possible development, of post-war commercial aviation in New Zealand 5 aviation routes -aerodrome sites etc

air services,

It was resolved that the secretary communicate with the Air Department pointing out that a Borough Council and County Council combined committee is conducting pre:-, liminary investigations in the matter of an aerodrome for Whakatane and district and seeks the following information:—

(1) The Government's opinion respecting the development of ■ postwar commercial aviation.

(2) The Government's plans to foster develop assist or facilitate 9 a •post-war commercial aviation.

(3) What at present is being done respecting the establishment of aerodromes for such purposes.

(4) What is proposed to be done localty respecting the establishment of an aerodrome.

It was further resolved that the secretary communicate with local -authorities, which have established -aerodromes as thev will have kept 9 arrears of knowledge and topics current in this seeking -opinions, respecting the course and extent of development of post-war commercial aviation, and enquiring what plans they might at present he acting upon or developing.

Discussing the matter at the meeting of the Borough Council last Monday evening Mr Barry said that .the committee Avas now carrying -out preliminary investigations and in reply to his enquiries 5 the Town 'Clerk had now received some xcry interesting information. When all answers had been the committee Avould meet again for the purpose of pursuing the matter •still, further.

Cr Shapley congratulated the committee on its Avork and hoped that the outcome avoulcl be fruitful. €r Canning also expressed pleasure that the agitation for the formation of the committee had at last been successfully accomplished.