N.Z. AIR POLICY

Hokitika Guardian, 11 June 1929, Page 2

N.Z. AIR POLICY

LANDING GROUNDS NEEDED. G3y Telegraph—Per. Press Association.) MASTERTON, Juno 10. An important statement on aviation policy was made by the Minister of Defence (Hon Mr Wilford), when he addressed a largo number of local body and other representatives in Masterton to-day. The Minister was accompanied by the Director of Aviation (Major T. M. Wilkes). The Minister urged •that the development of civil aviation had, in itself, the strongest claims to consideration. Ho predicted very important developments in this category in New Zealand within the next year or two. He contended also that, although the country could not at' present afford to develop an ambitious scheme of air defence, it was vitally necessary that tho ground work be laid by providing chains of landing grounds, developing an air sense and fostering commercial flying. The Minister declared that, before long, a town without an aerodrome would be as much out of the running as the town was at present if it had no, railway station. It was indicated by district representatives that a scheme of civil aviation would be supported strongly in the Wairarapa. The question is at present being considered by a committee of the Wairarapa Progressive League. The Minister inspected possible landing places in the district.