RUNWAYS IN NORTH

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29051, 13 November 1959, Page 12

RUNWAYS IN NORTH

Several Still Unsealed (New Zeaiana Press Association) WELLINGTON, November 12. The question of sealing the Napier airfield to allow it to take the National Airways Corporation new Fokker Friendships is to be discussed with the Minister of Civil Aviation (Mr Mathison) next Thursday, by the Mayor of Napfer (Mr Peter Tait). Last night Mr Tait said that the decision not to allow the Friendships to operate from grass airfields meant that Napier could be “left out in the cold.” The Mayors of Hastings and New Plymouth could not be reached for their comments last night. Both airports and the airport at Rukuhia, Hamilton, are unsealed. The Mayor of Wanganui (Mr E. A. Millward) said it was hoped the local airport would be sealed by the end of next year. Wanganui was not particularly concerned with missing out on service from Fokkers because complete sealing on the airport was due to start in February, Mr Millward said. Plans were complete and all that was required was the “green light” from Cabinet. Blenheim already had a fully sealed runway at its airport and certainly did not anticipate any changes in service to the town, the Mayor (Mr E. P. Meachen) said. “Jf anything, we will be looking for increased services from NA.C. with the growing demand for air transport.” Mr S. I. Russell, Mayor of Nelson, said the town’s airfield was sealed and could take the Friendships. He thought it better to wait and see what N.A.C.’s intentions were before inquiring about what Friendship services would be run to Nelson.