INSPECTION OF AIRPORT

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29071, 7 December 1959, Page 14

INSPECTION OF AIRPORT

Auckland Mayor Praises Facility

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, December 6.

“In our awareness of the need for an international airport we are a good 20 years behind Christchurch,” said the Mayor of Auckland (Mr D. M. Robinson), when he returned to the city after visiting Christchurch airport on Saturday. Accompanied by Mrs Robinson. Mr Robinson flew to Christchurch in the Tasman Empire Airways Electra to study issues affecting the establishment of an international airport. Mr Robinson said he thought the Christchurch people had done a magnificent job and were entitled to the highest credit. Not one of the people he talked to claimed that Christchurch should have the sole right to an international airport for New Zealand.

“They are quite happy to think that Auckland is going to have the major international airport,” he said. The Mayor was conducted round the airport by Mr A. I. R. Jamieson, the airport manager. He also had a long discussion with Senator S. D. Paltridge, the Australian Minister of Civil Aviation, who was paying an official visit to the Dominion. Mr Robinson said it was imperative to get unanimity of opinion and agreement regarding contributions from the 22 local bodies in Auckland.

“On summing it up,” he said, “I am very much more hopeful because so many new angles and possibilities regarding financing an international airport have been suggested to me as a result of this trip.”