HOOD AERODROME

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 78, 2 April 1935, Page 11

HOOD AERODROME

IMPROVEMENT WORK (Special to the "Evening Post") : MASTERTON, This Day. ' A start was made last week on th« improvement of the surface of the Hood Aerodrome. The work ii being carried out by unemployed relief workers,' and it if anticipated that it will take about six months to complete. The cost is estimated at £10,000, and is being borne by Masterton and neighbouring .local bodies, the Unemployment Board, the Public Works Department, and the Defence Department. On the completion of the work Masterton will have one of the finest aerodromes in New Zealand. ~./'■=. This week: there are forty men engaged at the aerodrome, but it is expected that shortly there will be work for upwards of ' 160 men. The men are divided up into gangs, and the number of days a week they work is the same as their allocation under the No. 5 scheme. The men are paid on a piecework .' basis, and it. is stated. that their earnings are based on an average :of 12s a day. According. to the ;authorities in charge, it is possible for the men to earn more if they like to work hard enough. Apart from its value in improving the surface of the aerodrome, the work is being put in hand at a very opportune time,, as both the Masterton Borough Council and the Masterton County Council are finding it increasingly, difficult to provide work for the unemployed. The county has found it necessary to close down on several of its schemes, while fewer men are at present engaged-by the borough. Work will be found at the aerodrome for well over 150 relief workers during the difficult winter' months. ' *