HUTT VALLEY AIRPORT

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 61, 15 March 1929, Page 10

HUTT VALLEY AIRPORT

GEAR ISLAND PROJECT

RIVER BOARD'S VIEWS

The proposal to use ..Gear Island as a flying ground was again considered by the Hutt River Board last night, when a letter was received on the subject from Mr. G. Carter (acting-honorary secretary of the Hutt Valley Aero Club). The letter stated that Gear Island was particularly suited for use as a flying ground as it had the required area, needed, comparatively little preparation, was* in the centre of a large industrial and residential locality, had suitable ueai'by ground for forced landings, had clear air approaches, and was in close proximity to the harbour and the railway. The Shandon Golf Club, which at present was on the island, was prepared to take the outer portion not required by the Aero Club, which would need one-third of the area of the island. The River Board was asked whether it ..would lease the island to the two clubs, and, if so, on what terms and conditions. A request was also made that iv the event of the lease being taken by the clubs the board should level some depressions-on -the. site of the proposed flying ground.

Mr. C. Gostelow thought that such an important matter ought to be deferred for fuller consideration at tho next meeting. Apart from using Gear Island as an industrial centre, which the board did not wish to do, it could keep it as a park for the ratepayers. The board dare not give the use of the island to one club without consulting the ' ratepayers'.'.

The views of the chairman (Mr. W. T. Strand) were that the board, as trustees o£ Gear Island for the people, should do what it reasonably could in aiding the establishment of : an aero club in the district. Gear Island was the last remaining piece : of land in the south of the valley suitable for flying purposes. Aviation would come suddenly, as the motor did before the roads'were ready. The board should consider the project to have a port ready for what was certain to come. At the present time the question of providing landing grounds was a national matter, concerning the country's defence. Young men would take up flying and should be encouraged to do so. Mr. Strand said that if the airport .project meant using the whole of Gear Island lie would hesitate, but as only one-third was required he believed that it could be used for that purpose, making one o£ the best airports in the Wellington district, and leaving ample room on the outskirts of the island for parks and sports grounds. Providing that the revenue received would be not less than what the board was now getting, the formation of the club in the district should be encouraged. Tho matter was held over for consideration at the' next meeting of the board.