FORMATION OF ASHBURTON AIRPORT

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 46, 3 December 1938, Page 10

FORMATION OF ASHBURTON AIRPORT

The bullock-driver of the early 'Sixties in the Ashburton County had perhaps the imagination of a Jules Verne. Perhaps not! It requires more than the ordinary imagination to visualise the tar-sealed Main Highway where oncei there was rutted road still more the motor ears travelling that road at 50 miles an hour, and only a Jules \ erne imagination that could paint the picture of a beautiful metal-bird flying at 250 miles an hour to an Ashburton airport. Rut thus it is! It was during the Great "War that flying was developed—rapidly so. as necessity forced; and youth, being daring, set out to learn this modern method of travel to get the thrill of airflight for pleasure's sake rather than for profit’s. Aero Clubs - were being formed in Christchurch and other centres, and Ashburton was not going to be left behind. An Aero Club was formed and enthusiasts joined and set about getting their requirements. Seeking the Necessary Ground. On February 1, 1920, Messrs J. Halket Millar and A. Lexington Jones interviewed the County Council asking for assistance in the provision of the necessary ground, and the County Clerk was Instructed to prepare a list of reserves handy to Ashburton, as it was ascertained that the Council could provide land and buildings, but could not provide money. Shortly after tin’s at a conference of Borough, representatives (the Mayor, Mr R. Kerr, and the Town Clerk); Aero Club (Messrs J. C. Guinness, Millar and Jones); and County Councill (Messrs Carr (chairman), Lill, Horsey and Houston) it was agreed to get 40 acres —but more if possible. Twenty pounds, it was said, was asked for land three miles from Ashburton. The two Councils agreed to share the cost, but to get land at a reasonable rate. On October 14, 1929, the County Council, the Borough Council and Mr J. H. Millar conferred. The Chairman mentioned that the Local Authorities

Aviation Bill—then before Parliament —authorised local bodies to purchase land for the purpose. It was not clear,, however, whether land could bo purchased jointly by two or more local bodies, and be bad requested the County solicitor to give bis opinion. The estimated revenue from the Club, it was thought, would be £IOB. After discussion Messrs Gallagher and Bundle moved “that this meeting recommends the Local Bodies to join in the purchase of land and apportion the cost on a 50-50 basis,” and the motion was carried. The meeting then considered the offers of land that had been made to the County Council. (1) Mr E. Fox offered 50 acres at £l6, or 70 acres with the option over another 30 acres at the same price. He was prepared to accept £I.OOO for the 70 acres if lie. got the free grazing rights over the ground for five' years. (2) Mr J. G. McConachie offered 50 acres at £2O an acre with the option over 43 acres adjoining at the same price. He was prepared to accept £lB an acre if given free grazing rights for five years and would permit the use for aero purposes of the 43 acres free of charge. Mr J. H. Millar stated that experts considered Mr McConachie s land as being the most suitable for the purpose. Air Horsey moved, Air Kerr seconded, and it was carried “That it be a re-

Aero Club and the Local Authorities

Specially written for the “Guardian” by John Bbown, “Lowcliffe,” Ashburton. (Copyright.)

commendation that negotiations be entered into with Mr McConachie for the purchase of 50 acres of land on Scaficld Road at ITS per acre (he to have the free grazing right for five years) with the option of purchasing an additional 43 acres adjoining within five years at a price of £lB an acre (without free grazing), and that ho grant the free use of the 43 acres for landing grounds for a term of five years.” .

On November 1, 1929, it was agreed that the money for the purchase of Air AlcCoiiacliie’s land should be on a 5050 basis with the Borough Council—and the deal was later carried through. On March 7, 1930, permission to erect buildings on the Aero ground rvas granted to the Aero Club (if agreeable to the Borough- Council) under conditions to be drawn up by the County Solicitor (Mr Robert Kennedy). Erection of tine Buildings. On April 4, 1930, the Mid-Canterbury Aero Club requested from the County Council a rebate of two years’ rent of aero grounds—the Club to erect buildings at £250 which then became the property of the Local Bodies. The request was agreed to, provided the Borough Council gave its consent. Any further improvements were to become the property of the Local Bodies and the present concession was not to be taken as a precedent.

On April 15, 1930, the Aero Club wrote suggesting May 17 as an opening day for the new grounds—the Alinister of Defence, the Director of Air Services and others to be invited. It was resolved to adopt the suggestion.

An important conference was held on May 9, 1930, at which the conditions of lease of the Aero grounds to the Aero Club were agreed upon. Tlie representatives were; County Council— Alessrs Carr (Chairman), Lill, Gallagher, Horsey and Houston; Borough Council—The Mayor, Messrs Kerr, Bundle, and Patterson (Town Clerk). Aero Club--Messrs Millar and J. R. Richardson. The conditions laid down were:—

(1) Rent £6O per annum, plus rates and insurance of buildings. (2) Term, 5 years to coincide with expiry of option over the additional land.' ' .

(3) Rent to be paid quarterly. (4) The Club to take out an insurance policy covering Local Bodies, Air AlcConachie and the Club against accident of any sort, also under the Workers’ Compensation Act, the premiums being paid by the Club. (5) The Club to exercise supervision over Airport and flying operations and be responsible for maintaining the provisions of the Airport By-laws. (6) If the Club erect buildings to the value of £250 the first 2. years’ rent shall be remitted— buildings and improvements shall become the property of the local bodies. (7) The Club not to conduct any flying operations till registered. (8) All buildings, fences and gates shall be maintained by the Club at its own cost and to the satisfaction oi the Local Bodies. (9) The Airport shall be available to all aviators for aviation purposes subject to such landing charges as may be fixed bv the Local Bodies. The Aero Club shall collect all fees and pay the amount to the controlling authorities —less 50 per cent for collection. (10) The Aero Club shall enter into ail agreement with the Local Bodies in terms of the above when it is registered

and shall pay the cost of the agree* meat. At the same conference, as between the Local Bodies it was agreed; (1) To avoid dual control the Ashburton County Council take control. (2) The County Council shall collect; all rents and fees —half of which shall be paid to the Borough Council. (3) The administration cost of the Airport shall be borne equally between the two local bodies. (4) ’The County Council shall pass Bylaws for tho proper working of the Airport—such By-laws to ho approved (by the Ashburton Borough Council. Amalgamation with Canterbury Club. On April 17, 1931, a letter came from “The Canterbury Aero Club” (Christchurch) asking for a conference with the Ashburton County Council relative to the Ashburton Airport, an<T on April 24 it was held. Shortly after the conference of Alay, 1930, where conditions were agreed upon between the local bodies and the local aero club, the MidCanterbury Club amalgamated with the Canterbury Aero Club and the signing of the lease was held up. The Canterbury. Club notified the local bodies that it desired to have the conditions of the lease modified. Those present at this conference were:—County Council: Messrs With ell (chairman), Till, Horsey. Carr and Houston, with tho County Solicitor; Borough Council: The Mayor (Mr W. H. Woods), Air Bundle and tho Town Clerk; Aero Club : Sir Francis Boves, the solicitor (Air F. AT. Johnston) and the organiser (Mr Climie), also Messrs Alillar, J. C. Guinness, Ti. B. Newton, P. A. Turner and J. O. Hayes. Four Arguments Advanced. Sir Francis Boyes pointed out: (1) That, on account of the financial depression and the small number of pupils, they wanted the rent reduced to £4O per annum. The County Council pointed out that the rent was not being charged for two years. (2) That the Canterbury Club was unaware of the other conditons and to carry them out meant bankruptcy. He requested that the use of the grounds be granted to them as licensees,, and that they be freed from any conditions in regard! to supervision, rates, and maintenance of fences. Air Johnston pointed out the difficulties and expense of working under the present conditions.

(3) Re Insurance The Club agreed to see if their own policy would provide sufficient cover.

(41 The solicitors were left after the meeting to submit their opinion on the proposal. If their opinion was satisfactory the representatives agreed to recommend for favourable consideration the request of the Aero Club that it he relieved from supervision of the Airport in the meantime. The costs of the surveys of the Airport were paid by the County Council. From a minute that appeared later it would seem that the Canterbury Club agreed to carry out the Alid-Can-terbury Club’s agreement, till the end of the lease in ATav, 1935. A letter from the Canterbury Aero Club to the Ashburton County Council on Alay 3, 1935, intimated that tha Club did not wish to renew the lease, and this led to complications. (To be Continued).