AEROPLANE LANDING

Hokitika Guardian, 11 December 1931, Page 4

AEROPLANE LANDING

SOUTH HOKITIKA LOCATION. Matters are now in train for preparing the proposed landing for aeroplanes at South Hokitika. The Hon. Minister of Agriculture liala advised the Westland County Council that the area at South Hokitika, vested in the Department, is available for the purpose intended, and will he leased by the County Council for a period of five years at a peppercorn rental. If at the end of that term the land is still not required by the Government for its purpo.es, the Department will be prepared to extend the lease for a further five years.

This is: considered a very satisfactory proposition, and as an aerial mail service between Wellington and Hokitika, via Nelson and Westport, is proposed to be inaugurated next month there is some urgency for taking the matter up. The County Council will deal with the matter at its meeting on Tuesday. Meantime Mr W. Milliter, County Overseer, lias reported on the landing and considers it can be brought into shape very quickly. Messrs Renton, who are taking a special interest in the project, are lending every assistance, and their help is proving of great value. The area available when fully clearly will approximate some 30 acres, so that with the clear approach from all sides it should prove very convenient. Captain McGregor is much impressed with the site, and proposes to fly here a® soon as the landing is in trim. A large portion of the area is cleared already and with the removal ot th 1 fences, levelling can be put in hand. Mr Millner proposes ploughing and discing, utilising a ’tractor for 1 .M’er, and manual labour will then tie able to do the levelling. By this means the work could be accomplished speedily. The help of the Borough Council With labour is to be enlisted, the intention being to pu'sh on the work as quickly as possible.