Wrangle Over Mangere Mud Patch

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31098, 29 June 1966, Page 7

Wrangle Over Mangere Mud Patch

"The Press" Special Service AUCKLAND, June 28. Passengers using the Auckland international airport at Mangere have, for the last three months, been faced with a 15ft mud patch whenever they have needed to visit the freight sheds housing customs officers, the Air New Zealand freight department and customs agencies.

Staff have described conditions as “disgusting” and “ridiculous” and have protested.

A Civil Aviation Department official raid the responsibility for the condition of the freight shed surround belonged to the airport manager (Mr R. W. G. Emery), employed by the Auckland Regional Authority. Mr Emery said it was not the responsibility of the authority. “It is the responsibility of the lessee,” he said. “We have written to them to get something done but have had no reply yet.” The lessee is the Devon Investment Company, of Tauranga, who were said to be not on the telephone by Post Office officials. Tractor Stuck While the wrangle as to who is responsible continues, conditions are getting worse. A tractor towing freight was stuck axle-deep in the mud for nearly half an hour. Mr W. Tindell, of Air Freight Clearance, recently had to go home to change his suit when a car drove past and plastered him with mud. “It’s bad for staff but it’s shocking for visitors,” he said.

Mr P. Rigby, Emery Air Freight Corporation manager in New Zealand, said: “As a tenant in the building we have our own attitude. Ten-

ants are responsible for fair wear and tear on the roads. Wear and Tear “We have a difference of opinion as to whether this road outside was in good shape in the first place or whether fair wear and tear has produced these conditions. “We feel the present state of affairs is ridiculous. Here is a brand new airport with these conditions.” A customs officer said that some people had refused to come into the building because of the mud and water.