WORK ON ROTORUA AERODROME

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 14640, 8 April 1948, Page 2

WORK ON ROTORUA AERODROME

LABOUR FROM MANGAKINO Men Wanted For Large Undertaking Government’s Intentions Forecast ' Labour which is idle at present at the Mangakino, Whakamaru and Waipapa State hydro-electric pioiects 3 is expected to be drawn on by th p Government when it starts construction of the new Rotorua aerodrome in a few weeks, following fln |lcau S V e Cy the proposed is a large-scale undertaking, num bers of men will have'to be employed on the job. At present there aremany engineers and labourers at Mangakino, who, because of the strike are unable to work even although they may want to, says the Government has announced no policy regarding the strike, but it is understood that the supply position of certain materials, especial y steel had been causing concern tor some time. A hold-up appeared inevitable and the strike has saved the possibility of a stoppage being ordered by the Government. . Mr R. Semple, the Minister of Works threatened previously that it there was trouble at hydro works, he would close them. This threat is well remembered by many of those on strike, and was a factor which caused many to vote against a cessation of work. Even when work resumes it will be some time before it can be pressed ahead with any speed. The Works Department is employing in the Rotorua area about 20 drivers, who, though not involved m the strike, were forced out of employment by it. ... , The new aerodrome will have three runways, the longest being about 5,000 ft. It will be fairly closely placed to the lake shoie, and will run in a similar direction to the present main road. The boiling-down works for me abattoirs are on the proposed runway The aerodrome administration block will be built in the vicinity of the present abattoirs. The aerodrome is a major undertaking and to have it .ready for use, even though not fully completed, by April for the Royal family’s visit is going to require a considerable amount of work. Rumours that Mangakino may be closed are rife in that area. There have been definite anti-Commumst rumblings at the works, but the prevailing impression is that nothing can be done until the Government announces its intention. The use of at least some of the engineers and labourers on the new Rotorua aerodrome is certain, the report adds.