GEAR ISLAND

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 54, 27 November 1929, Page 6

GEAR ISLAND

HUTT VALLEY’S FUTURE AIRPORT? THE LEASE DIFFICULTY DELEGATES WAIT ON RIVER BOARD . Since it has been definitely established that Rongotai Aerodrome, however suitable it may be for experienced pilots, will never be a safe training ground for learners, strenuous efforts are being made by flying enthusiasts to secure the use of Gear Island, which has been stated by the Director of Air Services to be unique, both in shane and location for an aerodrome. During the course of its meeting last night the Hutt River Board received a deputation from members of the Hutt Valley and Wellington Aero Clubs, consisting of Messrs. A. AV. Nesbit (spokesman), 11. E. Leighton, and J. Goodwin, representing the local branch, and Messrs. E. G. AVallace and C. Weinstein, the parent body. . . , , Introducing the business ot the deputation Mr. Nesbit said that after the aerial, pageant held recently ut Rongotai. and having heard the comments of visiting pilots, it was very evident that Rongotai could never be licensed, as a solo training ground. No provision had been made lor a solo training ground in the Hutt Valley. It seemed to be an open avenue to assist the Hutt Valley in getting an aerodrome. A meeting of residents had recently been held to discuss the matter, which was just as important from the business point of view as it was from that of the flying ClU "The fact of Rongotai being condemned as a training ground gives us a big lever, continued the speaker. “It is understood that vou will call tenders tor the letting of Gear Island.” Wing-Commander Grant Dalton (Director of Air Services) had visited the ground, and had been very favourably impressed. Earlier in the day a deputation had waited upon the Minister of Defence, who had given the project his whole-hearted support. He understood the unfortunate position in which the board was placed by the Gear Island Empowering Act. The Minister had pointed out that if agreement was reached between the clubs and the board there would be no obstruction in the way until Barlia--ment could amend the Act. Whole Area Not Wanted.

“We don't want the whole of the island,” said Mr. Nesbit, “and the Shandon Golf Club is willing to co-operate with us.” There would be a good deal ot spare laud at the corners of the area available for the sports which required space. It was absolutely necessary, he went on, that the AVellington Aero Club should hav" a training ground somewhere, and the difficulty was to put up a prop°sal in the short time available. AA hat was desired was that the final disposal of the island should be held up to enable something definite to lie formula tedMr. AVilford was gazetting the AV ellinoton Aero Club as a controlling effib which could receive moneys from local ' bodies. When that was done and the Aero Club had been placed, on a proper footing they would be ready to talk business, He would certainly be sorry to see Gear Island tied up in fl permanent lense. The next speaker, Mr. AA all ace, said that Gear Island was very necessary to the success of the AVellington Club, with which the Hutt branch would necessarily be co-operating. Already some members of the AVellington Club had had some tuition, and a solo ground would be needed before very long. Era of Commercial Aviation Dawning? Mr. Leighton spoke of the previous efforts that had been mad? to form a local club. In New Zealand the era of commercial aviation was just dawning, and it might be possible for Gear Island t(i be the nir line terminal for AVellington. If the opportunity were let slip now the business stimulus which would thus accrue would be lost to the Hutt A alley. Mr. AVcinstein emphasised the previous speaker’s last statement. If the Hutt Valley did not get in now the matter would go right out.of their hands, as the

aeroplanes would go up the Wairiirapa instead. Trouble with Ronfliotai. In response to a'question from Mr. C. Gostelow as to why Rongotai would not be licensed as a training ground, Mr. Ncsbit pointed out that the surrounding hills and houses were a serious drawback. As the Director bud pointed out that day, in certain winds one had to make a very sharp landing into the ground, whereas at Gear Island there was a long,-low glide-in offering. Air. Goodwin said that at Rongotai there was very little runaway between the beach and hangar and while air experienced pilot might do a flat turn back to the aerodrome in the event ot engine failure, a beginner might land on the root’ of houses. At Gear Island there was a good take-off and the river bed offered emergency landing in. the case of necessity. A pupil pilot making his first solohail no idea how to make a forced lauding until after about 50 or 60 flights. The good fortune of a site in the middle of an industrial area, and surrounded bygood emergency landing grounds was stressed by Mr. Nesbit, who emphasised the commercial value of such a field. Mr. J. Mitchell pointed out that the board represented the ratepayers, and asked whether any financial guarantee of the scheme could be given. Mr. Nesbit said that later on the clubs would be in a position to put up a definite commercial proposition. Mr. AVeinstein added that a proposal could be put up within a fortnight; Boom for Sports Bodies. In reply to a question regarding the claims of other snorts bodies to use of the ground, Mr. Nisbet stated that .there would be plenty of room round the edges of the island as the clubs only required 40 acres. Mr. Goodwin suggested a lease of the island to the aero clubs for five years or so. He was quite certain that after that the board would not want them to shift elsewhere. In conclusion, Mr. AV. I. Strand (chairman) thanked the deputation for their atendancc, and said that the representations had-been made in the nick ot time. Chairman’s Suggestion. After the deputation bad withdrawn Mr. Strand said that he himself had been surprised lust Sunday week at the number of people who had come to him to ask about the chances of Gear Island. He did not want to make for parochial feeling between AVcllington and the Hutt district. If facilities in the latter place were the better, and the Hutt happened to .have land which was more suitable he thought they would have to take into consideration what must be a benefit to the whole district. AVhat was novel yesterday -was a commonplace to-day. Very soon an airport would be as important as a harbour or a railway station. It was' a fortunate thing Gear Island had been kept intact so long. He thought the club should be given a fortnight to make some concrete proposal. After some discussion it was' decided to adopt the chairman’s suggestion.