ODOTIKI AERODROME

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 120, 9 December 1938, Page 2

ODOTIKI AERODROME

FIRST PLANE LANDS TOUR OF INSPECTION SPLENDID FLYING FIELD The first plane to land on tin* Opotiki Aerodrome came down at about 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon. The plane was piloted by Air. A. 31. Prichard', staff commercial pilot for the Public Works Department. The pilot was accompanied by Mr. D. O. Haskell, engineer, and they were welcomed by Air. K. F. Roberts, Public Works Engineer, Air. A. Graham, foreman of the P.,W.D., and 31 r. IT. A. Smith; overseer for the P.W.D.

The plane' was expected toi arrive" in the morning but advice was received in the afternoon that the airmen had left Alurupa'ia for the Opotiki aerodrome. Coming down at an angle against the strong breeze the plane pulled up in a remarkably short distance after touching ground. The honour of being a passenger in the first flight off the aerodrome was given to 31 r. Roberts, the plane flying over Opotiki township and then in an easterly direction along the, coast. The plane flew low along the Kukumoa beach to the great interest of a number of children playing o« tfic sands. Mr. Roberts was anxious to see too Opotiki bar from the air but unfortunately the water was too discoloured to make any observations. The engineer was particularly impressed with the large amount of land that appeared from the air to he under cultivation, the largest uncultivated portion being on the islands in the Waiooka river.

A second flight was made with Mr. Graham, who Ims been foreman of works in the making of the aerodrome, as passenger, and Air. Graham was also impressed with the beauty of Opotiki from the air. By this time a large number ol children from the Te Here Pali had gathered on the ’drome and when the plane swooped close overhead the children scattered in all directions. Upon landing, the wings of the plane were folded back to allow it to be taken through a gateway into the area, behind the grandstand. Here the plane was anchored to the ground in the shelter of trees for the night and a mail was left to guard the machine. Air. Haskell stated to a “News” representative that the Opotiki aerodrome compared very favourably with many of the 'dromes " l Die huger centres.

As a result of the recent- rains the last portion which was sown in grass lm.s also taken well. A large roller was being used yesterday to give the ground its first roll after the grass had taken and the. surface appeared to ho very even. Workmen were busy clearing willow trees from the enclosure behind' the grandstand. A number of trees in paddocks adjacent to the ’drome will have to he removed and the power lines which run along ’ the western and southern sides of the drome will be moved hack a safe distance into nearby farms. ’The material and poles for this work are not. expected to arrive until just before Christmas and the work of moving the lines hack will commence after the holidays.

It is expected that the aerodrome will he ready early in fchruary and will then he handed over by the Public Works Department to the controlling authority, the Opotiki and Waioeka Domnin Board. It is probable that tin* aerodrome will be officially opened early in Fchruary. Messrs. Prichard and Haskell, who are carrying out a tour of inspection of aerodromes, expect to stay in Opotiki for a day or two>. and after carrying out the inspection of the Opotiki aerodrome will tty to> Gisborne.