AERODROMES IN DOMINION

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25272, 26 August 1947, Page 6

AERODROMES IN DOMINION

USE BY INTERNAL SERVICES DEVELOPMENT WORK NEEDED Much development work is required to bring the aerodromes used by tne internal air services in New Zealand up to the standards necessary for tne safe and regular operation of modern transport aircraft, according to tne Director of Civil Aviation (Mr E. A. Gibson). In his annual report he says that the present severe shortage of manpower, plant, and construction materials, and the huge programme pt other national works outstanding, will undoubtedly limit the work which can be undertaken in the near future. Mr Gibson says that during the war, responsibility for control and maintenance of all' aerodromes—except Rongo* tai—was assumed by the Government, and administered by the Air Depart* ment largely through the agency ol the Public Works Department. This arrangement continued through 194&-' 47 except for a few minor aerodromes which reverted to local body or aero club ownership and control. Future policy regarding the control and ownership of aerodromes has not yet been determined, and is complicated by tne fact that during the war the Government purchased or leased many areas oi land which were incorporated in existing locally-owned aerodromes. The report adds that the work carried out during the year has been restricted to maintenance and a muiutude of minor improvements whicib although not individually large, have absorbed all the manpower and matej' ials which could reasonably be mane available. The only aerodrome wor* of any magnitude authorised ana started was the provision of a new aerodrome at Hokitika.