LAND FOR AVIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 5 January 1932, Page 4

LAND FOR AVIATION

DONATION BY SIR H. WIGRAM. (By Telegraph —Per Press Association) WELLINGTON, January 4. The gift of just over 81 acres of land immediately adjoining the \\ igram Aerodrome, at Sockburn, has been made to the Government by ofr Henry Wigram, according to an announcement made by the Prime Minister to-day. The land in question will be a valuable addition to the Air Station, as it will obviate any possibility of the existing layout being interfered with by other building, said Air Forties. With this land added to the existing area of 309 acres, very little development work will now be required to make Wigram Aerodrome a first-class service and training aerodrome. K It may be recalled that Wigram Aerodrome was formerly the property of the Canterbury Aviation Company, of which Sir Henry Wigram was the Chairman. It was purchased from the Company by the Government in 1923. Sir Henry very generously contributed the sum of £IO,OOO towards the purchase money. The Government named it Wigram Aerodrome in recognition of the in-' terest and enthusiasm which he had always displayed in connection with aviation, and of the financial assist-* anCi> that he had given in the establishment of the 'station, The Prime Minister, in a letter to Sir Hemv, has expressed the Govern, ment’s appreciation of his generosity,