The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 1929. LOOKING FORWARD.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 August 1929, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 1929. LOOKING FORWARD.

An important resolution was reached by the Westland County Council on Tuesday afternoon when it resolved on the motion of Mr Murdoch to take steps regarding securing an area of land if possible for aviation purposes. 111 thus looking forward a very practical step was initiated. Aviation must be developed here as in other countries in due season, and it is< not too soon to make a beginning. Many countries are now moving rapidly in the development of commercial aviation. The South American States are an example in mind, for great strides have been made there. In Australia, a good deal is being done, and Air Kings-ford-Smith has designs on a great undertaking for Australia, which should be of immense value to a country of vast distances. New Zealand is long and narrow, but useful moves could be developed to bring the north and south much closer together 'in the matter of time, and such a convenience will prove of immense value commercially. In the same way the Dominion can he brought closer to Australia when the proper plane is designed to cross the Ta&tnan Sea in perfect security. When that day arrives, and it cannot be long postponed in these times when science is marching so rapidly, this West Coast

as this nearest point to Australia, will spring into importance, for it will he essential to have a properly equipped aerodrome hereabouts. This locality has special merits by reason of its juxtaposition to Mount Cook which in ordinary weather is such an outstanding peak for approaching planes to pick up l their location 'and direction. At the County meeting, the site suggested for an aviation camp was the table land at the back of the town overlooking the racecourse. The location is an admirable one—close to the railway and established telegraph—and on an elevated situation clear of fogs, which in any case are of rare occurrence here. There . should be ample area for a large aerodrome, and the cost of acquiring it would be as reasonable as in any other part of New Zealand. Bordering the coast, the situation seems ideal,-and the idea in mooting such a location should be followed up with determination to achieve some practical result. Incidentally there have been reports as regards sites along the Coast, and as far as we have read or could gather, the location adjacent to Hokitika has been very favourably commented on. Another reason for a situation close to Hokitika is the nearness 'of Lake Maliinapua, which could be made an ideal landing place for amphibian machines which may require a smooth water way to land or take off. Lake Maliinapua again is beside the railway line, which is connected with all part/s of the South Island. The appeal for a local situation therefore has much to commend it, and there is every wisdom in looking ahead, and consulting the authorities now as to a.n area sufficient in expanse to meet the requirements of what should he a large aerodrome. The future of aviation, we believe, will be largely along commercial lines. The days of great wars are past for a long time to come at least, and the .local situation need not be looked at from the defence point of view. Even if that were necessary, a situation here would be of value in giving the earliest opportunity to encounter enemy planer before they could traverse other parts of the Dominion, but this is a contingency altogether remote, and not necessary for consideration just now. For the present, then, the authorities might well centre action in the endeavour to secure a large reservation for aviation purpose, and a site once fixed developments may go forward in well ordered sequence.