ARGUMENT ABOUT AERODROME

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20986, 14 October 1933, Page 20

ARGUMENT ABOUT AERODROME

DISSATISFACTION WITH RONGOTAI ('PBESS ASSOCIATION TELEGKAM.I WELLINGTON, October 13. Proposals concerning Rongotai Aerodrome resulted in a vigorous argument at a meeting of the Wellington City Council, whether the aerodrome's continued existence was justified. A committee brought down a report recommending certain work and proposing a new agreement with the Wellington Aero Club for the club's use of the aerodrome for a further six years. Cr. P. Fraser suggested that the council should consider the advisability of establishing another airport. He hoped that by the time the lease was up plans would be made for a suitable airport in Wellington of a type worthy of the city. ■ Cr. P. M. Butler said the whole history of Rongotai Aerodrome was one of rush without any thought. Visiting aeroplanes sometimes landed in a field of sand and slush. The Mayor (Mr T. C. A. Hislop): There has been no mud and slush. I am not ignorant of the conditions there. Cr. Butler replied that Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith had said he would never use the aerodrome again, and the citizens did not want to make any further grant to the club. The Mayor said he had reports from pilots and also from the Director of Air Services (Squadron Leader T. M. Wilkes) which were unanimous that Rongotai was quite as suitable as any other area within a reasonable distance. The report of the committee was