RONGOTAI AIRPORT

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 112, 5 February 1941, Page 12

RONGOTAI AIRPORT

Land For Extension In Future COMMERC E CHAM BER'S VIEW A need to keep laud available for the future extension of Rongotai aerodrome is seen by the council of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, which discussed the subject last night. Mr. A. It. Hislop referred to a motion moved by Captain S. Holm at the previous meeting, that, the Government be asked to place a proclamation over the land required for such extension. It was undt'sirable that the Government or the Air Department should lie embarrassed during the war, but the postwar development of Rongotai must be kept in mind, he said. The president, Mr. R. H. Nimtno, said lie understood that the Prime Minister did not favour putting a proclamation over land on which there were so many houses till new homes could be provided for the people concerned. He was. however, alive to the need for the development of the aerodrome. Mr. Nimmo said he agreed that a proclamation, which might hang over people for years, might indict hardship: however, lie was inclined to think that the importance of the aerodrome might transcend such considerations.

Mr. C. J. S. Harcourt said he considered it. would be undesirable to put a proclamation over land on which there were so many houses, most of them being paid for on the instalment, system. Onee the proclamation were made, the owners would be unable to sell their property, which might be serious for them.

Mr. Nimmo said it might lie possible for the Government, to get some legal control, which would prevent large construction work on the land.

This suggesion was approved by members, and it was referred to the air services committee for further consideration. Messrs. W. H. Hilldie, M F. Buckie and Harcourt were co-opted to the committee.