DEFENCE AERODROME

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 59, 25 March 1937, Page 3

DEFENCE AERODROME

-Own Correspondent. 1

Surveyors Busy in Manawaiu

(Bv Teleera.ph-

PALMERSTON N., This Day. During the past few weeks Government surveyors have been at work surveying an area of land bordered by the main Sanson-Bulls highway, Richardaon's line and Frecklington's line in tffe Ohakea district, with a view to the eventual establishment of a defence aerodrome. The properties involved are owned by Messrs. F. O. Bailey, R. Anderson, H. R. Masters, C. E. Vile and' A. Vile and- it is estimated that close on 600 acres will be required. The site is situated 17 miles fipm Palmerston North, 11 from Feilding, eight from Marton and 30 fnom Wanganui. It. is also so centrally situated as to be practically on the main Auckland via New Plymoutk run and also the Palmerston North-Wanganui-New Plymouth route. The area is practically flat and the, (approaches, except for low power linesj which can easily.be shifted, are ideal.-; What trees are on the property can be^ jeasily removed. Being near the sea andj jaway from the hills, there will be ideal! jflying conditions, especially as the area lis subject to steady winds without violent gusts. The Rangitikei river is about half a mile distant and should provide a good landmnrk. The land, although of clay loam nature, should be easily drained owing "to the sub-strata f ormation. The Ohakea School is about half a mile distant. From what can be gathered it ia expected that a large staff will be in permanent residence and the district will become an important defence centre, should the decision finally rest on tho Ohakea site.