WHAKATANE AERODROME

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 210, 21 July 1939, Page 4

WHAKATANE AERODROME

CRITICISM OF DELAY j ' N. • . ■ I At the monthly mooting of the < Whakatane Boroiigh Cbtiiicii, reference { was made by the mayor, Air. IJ. 8. 1 Barry, to the likelihood of the proposed aerodrome site being auctioned. '■Mr. Barry said that the position seem!‘ed to be* that there was an aerodrome !’at Opotiki n«nd one at Taurunga, and ! that the Government was not worry- ' ing about one lit Whakatane. I Opotiki hopes that Whakatane will ,J securc the aerodrome site at an early date so that the work oi' preparing the Ifield caii be put in hand without de- ' Hay. The Whakatane aerodrome is vital to an improved passenger service between Auckland and Gisborne. The ' service is being well patronised by Opotiki travellers and there is no doubt the air service would be just as well supported in Whakatane, which with its greater population would supply more passengers than this district. With support from Whakatane, the service would be. made a daily one,

with the added advantages to 1 the travelling public. Whakatane is -also at a disadvantage as regards air mails. At present the'mail closes late in file afternoon and is then brought to Opotiki. leaving here the following morn-

ing for either Gisborne it Auckland. Witli a landing-ground at Whakatane letters from that town could he posted only a short iinic before the arrival of the planes. 1'

Despite the lack, of Hying facilities Whlikatane possesses a Hying chib. | No move lias been made in Opotiki' to form such a club, but with improved training facilities-, it is only a question of time when it- will be possible .for young men .in this district to learn flying in their .own district.