AIRPORT PLANNED

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29724, 18 January 1962, Page 15

AIRPORT PLANNED

Work Begins At Charlton ‘'The Press" Special Service DUNEDIN. January 16. A base for aircraft to carry tourists to such resorts at Te Anau, Milford and Queenstown is part of the future scheme for the new airport for eastern Southland, being built at 'Charlton. Work on the aerodrome, half-way between Gore and Mataura, is going ahead. Purchase of the 100 acres of land cost £15.000, and although little ground work has been done as yet, efforts are bein made to licence the aerodrome for light aircraft as soon as passible. Then the Southern Districts Aero Club can use it, as well as topdressing aircraft and light aircraft on scenic flights. Contributing to the cost of the aerodrome are Gore and Mataura Borough and CUitaa and Southland Counties. The airport authority is the Gore Borough Council, which is working for the inclusion of the Charlton aerodrome in feeder service routes. The council has raised a. loan of £23,000 for initial costs. The land purchase and survey have been completed, obstructing fences have been renewed, and a boundary fence has been completed. Three airstrips are planned. The longest. 4200 ft, is considered long enough to take a partly loaded DCI3 aircraft. If the aerodrome can be licensed for larger aircraft the transfer by air ot stud stock may be possible. Before an approach is made to the Civil Aviation Administration for such a licence, however. a considerable amount of drainage and the preparation of grass airstrips will be necessary.