National Airways Development at Milson

Chronicle (Levin), 17 July 1948, Page 7

National Airways Development at Milson

The development of National Airways establishments throughout Nesy Zealand grows apace, and the section of the corporation at Palmerston Nortli Airport does not lag behiiul. Already figuring on the airport horiy.on is the matcriaJ for another hangai* the construction of which is qxpected ti» bc completed within four or tive months. The hailgar is Of the type known as the Butlor steci 'combat hangalr, and was dne of uiany hundrcds inanuJ'actu r ed for the use of Cnited States air combat squadrous in the I'aeiiic. It was purchased from the Cnited States by tue New Zealand Government. The stoel work of this singie span structuro is at presont in process of recoudilioning. The foundations have already been laid, and as soon as further uiaterial comes to hani] the work of erection will begin. A Butler hangar is already in use at the "Airport and greatly assists the efficient maintenanco of the corporation 's aircraft. Tlie Palmerston North branch of the airways organisation bids fair to lieconie tlie maiu ■ maintenance unit in the Donunion but has a rbady rival in CJiristchurch wliere niost of the Dakota maintenance is carried out. At the moment it appears certain that Paluierston North and Clirist--churcli will sliare tlie work of keeping the air tleet llying, the only otlier major wor-kshoj»s establishment bcing at Auckland wliere the flyingboats are overhauled. Palmerston North branch of the corporation covers an extensive area. The tirst hangar to be built there covers ibout 12,1)00 square feet, but the lirst Butler diangar covers 22,000 square :eet. With office and workshops area the- present fioor space amounts to about 60,000 square feet. The secoTid Butler construction uiay be liuilt witli two floors and used as a O'.rr-s bnilding. With two floors it vill eover another 47,000 square feet. 'is a. singie storv hangar it will llave i iloqr space of 20,000 square feet. It ias an interesting war history, having veathered tlie air battles of Guaclaidtnal... ' 1