SITE FOR AIRPORT

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 16, 13 October 1933, Page 11

SITE FOR AIRPORT

Value of Rongotai

CITY COUNCIL DEBATE

Adoption of Report The making of slight alterations in a report, before last night’s meeting of the Wellington City Council, concerning the Rongotai aerodrome, developed into a vigorous argument among members on the subject of whether the aerodrome’s existence was justified in the first place. The principal antagonist of the present aerodrome was Cr. P. M. Butler, who stated, among other things, that, to make any more grants totheclub, was "throwing good money after bad.”

The report, which was brought down by the Reserves Committee, involved small amendments in the arrangements concerning the erection of a club-house and workshop at the aerodrome, and* proposals for a new agreement to be entered lntr>,with the Wellington Aero Club for its use of the aerodrome for a further period of six years. The report was finally adopted.

Alternative Sites.

A proposal for considering the advisability of establishing another airport elsewhere was made early in the discussion by Cr. P. Fraser. By the time the lease was up, he said, he trusted plans would be made for a suitable airport for Wellington of a type worthy of the city. Wherever it was placed It should not be out of easy reach of the city. He had beard of a number of places suitable for a fully modern and well-equipped airport. The importance of encouraging aviation at Rongotai was very great, said Cr. F. M. Luckie. A tender for the clubhouse and workshop should be accepted as soon as possible. The whole scheme should be approved subject to a suitable bender being received. The aero club was extremely anxious to have the matter dealt with as early as possible, and this wish should be given full consideration. The whole question could be dealt with exeepti the acceptance of the tender, said the Mayor.

Unsuitability Alleged..

“The position is that the aerodrome is not suitable for the purpose meant for it,” said Cr. P. M. Butler. "We are rushing this thing far too hurriedly. The whole history of the aerodrome is one of rush without any thought given to the matter at all. Visiting aeroplanes come here and land in a field of sand and slush.”

The Mayor: There has been no mud and slush. 'I am not ignorant of the conditions there.

“The best should be done for the club within reason, but no more schemes should be rushed into headlong,” Cr. Butler continued. “Kingsford Smith came here and said he would never use the- ’drome again. .The citizens do not want to make any further grant to the club. In the Interests of the city and of the citizens, an investigation ought to take place. Let us not throw good money after bad. I challenge you. Mr. Hislop, to come out on to the hustings with me and see for yourself if the public want to spend any more money on Rongotai.”

Approval of Experts.

“There are many experts who have stated that the aerodrome is admirable for (is purpose, even if one member does not. think the same,” remarked Cr. T. Forsyth. “The amendments have been all duly considered by the committee; there was no rush about it at all.”

Cr. Huggins said that he was quite satisfied with the aerodrome. He failed to see that any good reason bad ever been shown for its removal. "Tlje fact that Kingsford Smith w:yi annoyed simply because he couldn’t eq.ru more money by taking people for flight when he was here and so said he uedn’t like the drome has reaily nothing to do with it. I am supporting the report throughout.” "Although we have had a lot of discussion about them, the actual amendments are very slight,” said the Mayor. “I have had reports from the pilots of the club and also the report of the Director of Air Services, and they are all unanimous that Rongotai Is quite as suitable for the purposes of the city as any other area within any reasonable distance.”

Mr. Fraser: "Has any investigation been made of the possibilities of I’orirua Harbour?”

Porirua and Gear Island.

Mr. Hislop: "There has been no air B>urvey yet. but it may be excellent. With regard to Gear Island, the opinion is that it is no better than Rongotai. Originally, the negotiations for the island were made because it was thought to be cheaper than later proved to be the case.”

If It was the wish of the council, he could take back the report, said Cr. Burns, but he did not think there was any necessity.

Mr. Hislop: “I hope you don’t take it back.”

The report was then voted upon and adopted.

The report recommended the acceptance of the following proposals:— That the sum agreed to be paid by tbe club to cover the cost of the

building be accepted by the council. That the council pay the cost of insurance on the building and. should the building he destroyed by fire during the term covered by the new agreement with the club, the council Is to take immediate steps to reinstate the building to the extent of the insurance money. No tender for the erection of the building is to be accepted until a cheque isj’eceived from the club for the amount of the recommended tender, and also until the club has signed the conditions to be embodied in the new agreement for the uce of the aerodrome.

Tho new agreement for six years was recommended on the following conditions: —

The rental per annum for nine planes or under, including one commercial plane to be fixed on the acceptance of a tender for the clubhouse and workshop, and that, such rental bo increased by £5O per annum for each additional commercial plane.

The club planes to be landed at Rongotai free of charge.

Club members to be admitted to the aerodrome free of charge provided they are included in the membership list to be supplied to the council on the first of each month; when visiting the aerodrome, a member’s pass is to be carried. Members to be permitted to take on to the ground not more than two frfonds in any one day for sightseeing purposes, without payment of the 1/- entrance fee. The club members are not to be charged the 6d parking fee for cars, provided a list of car owners and car numbers be supplied. The City Council to retain control «f the petrol pumps and the sole right to sell oils and grease at the aerodrome to planes other than those

belonging to the Wellington club. The club to be charged Id per gallon for petrol for small planes used in ordinary club flying and 2d per gallon for the Waco above the net price charged to the City Council. Any fresh activities of the club to be taken into consideration, and provided for under a separate agreement if necessary. All rights of occupation arc subject to the rights of the Minister of Defence.