AUCKLAND'S AIRPORT.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 221, 18 September 1929, Page 5

AUCKLAND'S AIRPORT.

SEARCH FOR SITE. CLAIMS OF PAPATOETOE. FRINGED BY SUITABLE AREAS. Auckland's isthmus should be combed by surveyors before a site is selected for an airport, submitted a deputation to the Papatoetoe Town Board last evening Areas on the upper reaches of both harbours, that are tidal flats, easily reclaimable, were numerous eouth of the city, and the board was asked by the deputation to make immediate representations to the Government, in the interests of southern suburbs. Papatoetoe was fringed by suitable sites for an airport, said Colonel S. J. E. Closey, president of the Papatoetoe Welfare League, who headed the deputation. Principals in the Aero Club had taken a commercial view of the position, and had decided that land in the district was too expensive for their purposes. Because of Papatoetoe's situation on the direct route from Wellington to Auckland a landing-ground in the vicinity would be highly desirable for air transport. Auckland was behind the other three main centres in its air development, continued Colonel Closey, but a rapid advance should be expected in the near future. Any action the Aero Club might contemplate should be restrained until the location of an airport was considered, as a part of a national scheme. The attention of the Government should be drawn to the fact that the club hnd considered a site at Papatoetoe, but could go no further for lack of finances. In view of the effect that aerial service would have on existing transport facilities and traffic routes, the question should be considered without delay. Papatoetoe would be an easy landing point at night, and areas of a sufficient size could be found on the Manukau and Waitemata close to the city and conveniently situated fo r a large number of residential suburbs. Mr. H. C. Ernest, president of the Papatoetoe Chamber of Commerce, said the question had been considered by the chamber and it had been decided to ask the board for its support. Mr. T. R. Smytheman, chairman of the board, said although there was no suitable area in the town district, there were undoubtedly a number of possible landing-grounds in the vicinity. It was decided to make representations to the Oovernment through Mr. A. W. Hall, M.P. for the district.