GEAR ISLAND

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 67, 22 March 1929, Page 10

GEAR ISLAND

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —As a ratepayer of the Lower Hutt Borough I should like to enter my protest against the combined action that is being taken by a few interested parties to secure possession of that valuable block of land known as Gear Island for aeroplane purposes. I feel sure the matter needs only to be put before the ratepayers in the proper light when there would most surely be an emphatic protest by the majority of the ratepayers against the area in question being appropriated for any suck purpose. In the natural order of progress it will in a few years be centrally situated in a closely populated city, and would make an ideal spot for' a park in the true sense of the word. It would be difficult to find a more fertile block of land anywhere, and in view of the much talked of planning schemes such a. proposition as to utilise it as a flying ground should not be given more than a moment's consideration. To suggest that the area adjoining the flying ground could be used for recreation purposes is absurd. In my opinion the deciding factor as to the best use to which the area could be put ia .that of the greatest good to the greatest number, not necessarily of ratepayers, and if it were properly laid out and planted with shrubs and flowers, and areas set apart for games it could be made a beauty spot for all time. It _is not for me to suggest suitable localities for flying purposes,' but to suppose for one moment that the ratepayers are likely to approve of the leasing of the best part of the island for the peppercorn rental of £250 per annum is altogether too ludi-. erous. It was refreshing to find that at the last meeting of the River Board there was at least one member mindful of the fact that it is the ratepayers as a whole who are entitled to first consideration in the disposal of the blocks and in view of the approaching election of members further consideration of the matter should be deferred to allow of tho candidates' opinions being ascertained.—l am, etc., RATEPAYER.