LIGHT AIRPLANES

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 22, 27 July 1928, Page 11

LIGHT AIRPLANES

GEAf* ISLAND AS BASE PROPOSED CLUB AT HUTT A suggestion that part of GearIsland should be used as a flying ground for a proposed aero club came before the Hutt Biver Board last night in a lettor from Mr. I. E. Eawnsloy. Mr. Eawnsloy wrote as follows:— "There has lately been given much thought to the formation of light airplane clubs in New Zealand, and several of these have actually become established (at Auckland, Christchurch, and Invercargill). The writer has discussed the matter with several residents in the Hutt, and would be prepared to take an active interest in the forma-, tion of a local, club, which, if started,' would no doubt supply the needs of Wellington and receive very strong support. It appears that Gear Island, is. suitably situated as a landing area, and I should like to know what facilities the board Would be prepared to offer in furtherance of this scheme. Roughly a space of level ground, say 440 yards: square would bo needed." The writer also mentioned that ho had had flying experience both at the war and in New Zealand, and that he was at present a pilot on the reserve of the New Zea-' land Air Force. Mr. C. Goste'low said he thought that the board needed- time' to consider the matter. Personally he would agree to the use of the island as an air base, and at. the same time as a park. "I think wo should facilitate and help anything of this.kind," said the chairman (Mr. W. T. .Strand}.. He.expressed the opinion that if the 40 acres wanted by_ the club could be used as a landing place and the balaitce for sports grounds it would be' ideal. But 40 acres did not seem to be a great space for the purpose. Mr. Smith stated that Mr. Rawnsley had told him that the flying area would be available for playing cricket and football, provided the posts were removed when not required. ''It would bo a very fine thing for tho district, and would carry a substantial Government subsidy," said Mr. Smith. Ho further' explained that the difficulty at Trentham was the surrounding hills. That difficulty existed even at Qear Island,.but landing there was ideal in a southerly wind, not at all bad in a northerly, but difficult in an easterly. The lagoon was not suitable for seaplanes, being too small, but the harbour was handy, and the surrounding water was of-value to pilots as, a '' sighter''. from the ..air. Mr.-Gostelow: "Do they know of the industrial area to be situated between Gear Island and the water?" Mr. Smith: "It won't affect them." Mr. Smith also stated that Mr. Eawnsley would interview Major. Wilkes, Director, of Air Services on the matter. On the motion of -the chairman, it was decided to reply that the board would^ give the matter very careful consideration, and requested further particulars- of the suggested scheme and what-likelihood there was of it developing into a landing base under Government: control. ;.