The City Airport

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21907, 7 October 1936, Page 8

The City Airport

The decision of the Christchurch City Council to proceed with the construction of the Harewood airport ends an unnecessarily long delay and promises the city its due in air transport facilities. It is, however, to be earnestly hoped that the council will not, in carrying out its decision, show the same aptitude for the halfhearted protraction of its business as in coming to the point of action* The council was unanimous, at last; but there were not wanting, even

in its unanimity, signs of indecision, faint confidence, and inclination to pluck the slow daisy petals of this year, next year, some time, Cr, A. G. Jamieson said the right thing when he said that the city, having lagged behind, must now “make the effort” to bring itself into line with the progress of aviation, and make its “ great investment.” Nothing is more certain than that air transport will rapidly increase, and its increase should not merely be provided for but sought and promoted. Christchurch has so far failed to read the future and to be ready for it; there is no need to add that it has failed in the imagination which helps to make the future. This is the more to be deplored, since it was here that personal enterprise,' in the earlier days of New Zealand aviation, was boldest and most far-sighted. But the period of dullness and apathy ought now to be over, if Monday night’s decision meant all that it ought to mean; and the time that has been lost ought now to be made up, if resolutions on the council’s minute-book mean a real resolve. It is true that the estimates of cost and the details of the plan are not final; it is not true that this affords any reason or excuse fof hesitation or temporising. On the contrary, it is an additional reason for energy and speed. The council has the Government for partner in the project, and is likely to find every wish for finality and rapid action reciprocated. It should see to it that no responsibility for slow beginnings* or slow progress lies here.