The Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1946 ARE WE AIR-MINDED ?

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 68, 1 May 1946, Page 4

The Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1946 ARE WE AIR-MINDED ?

FOR over ten years the question of establishing an aerodrome or landing field in the Whakatane district has engaged the local authorities from time to time. Ever and again the subject has been raised by enterprising individuals to cause a momentary stir to ouf civic conscience, until again after much talking and contacting of ministers, the whole vital subject is once again delegated to the dusty pigeonhole in which it has reposed for so long. It is nearly a year since the war ended. Tauranga has formed its own civil club and is straining every effort to place its attractions before the air-travelling public. Opotiki has formed its club and is proceeding to advance to the important air-link it was recognised as in pre-war days. Only Whakatane lags. Why? Forty thousand acres of level land surround our town, and yet apparently we are unable to set aside a hundred to place our district upon the important aero map which is fast building up. Today we advertise a meeting of those interested in this vital matter. The truth is that the public is tired of the long-winded controversies which have marked the aviation question in the past. It is fed up with the endless investigatory committees which survive for a month or two- It has, little or no faith in the stereotyped Government replies, which mean little or nothing as far as this district’s advancement is concerned. The progressively-minded people of this district desire to see action ! Borough and County have made this subject a chopping block in the past. Farmers have dreaded an additional rate —citizens have bargained for a site near the Borough. Between the wrangles of town and country we have got exactly nowhere. Today a private group has taken the bull by the horns, determined to commence even in a small way to stake the first plot in the interests of local aviation. Behind it is gathered the enthusiasm of several hundred ex-members of the Air Force, now living in the district. Given public support, given official encouragement and practical sympathy there is no reason which this new move to form the district’s first Aero Club should not succeed. If it does, it will merit the eternal gratitude of both town and country for laying the foundations of a service which must develop into one of the town’s most important amenities.