FUTURE USE OF WIGRAM

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28540, 20 March 1958, Page 10

FUTURE USE OF WIGRAM

Progress League’s Concern

Concern over suggestions that Wigram aerodrome might be subdivided for housing was expressed last evening by the council of the Canterbury Progress League. The council decided to ask the Minister of Defence to state the Government’s intention on the future of the aerodrome. “I have been shocked to read some suggestions of Wigram being closed down as an Air Force station and for houssaid Mr P. M. Mac Shane. Sir Henry Wigram had given the area as a city Amenity for all time. To cut it up appeared to him to be like allowing Hagley Park to be subdivided for housing. Air transport was at the cross roads and a supplementary airport might be needed, even for defence, later on, said Mr MacShane. If Wigram was built over, some other area would have to be obtained. The city was growing and any park area as handy as Wigram was to the city would be necessary. He suggested that the authorities should be approached to reserve Wigram as a free, open area.

Mr J. Manson said Sir Henry Wigram had given the aerodrome to the city.

“This is largely speculation on a report some years ago that Wigram would have to close down because of its proximity to Harewood.” said Mr D. W. Gray. With the approach of vertical-lift aeroplanes, long runways were not necessary and it seemed unwise to close down Wigram, which had been handed over to the Government by Sir Henry Wigram for an Air Force station. Mr P. B. Watts said he envisaged 100 years hence when Harewood miaht be blocked and Wigram could be used. In the meantime, Wigram could be used for large-scale public activities. “It seems a short-term view to take the land and cut it up,” said Mr Watts. “In 50 years, we might be regretting it seriously.”

“Let us find out whether it is a fact that Wigram is to be abandoned or closed down.” said Mr R. C. Neville. “I don’t think :t is going to be. It is said that flying activities are going to cease but Wigram is an essential flying school and the facilities will be used for a long time.”