THE AIRPORT

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 47, 25 February 1937, Page 10

THE AIRPORT

AERODROME A NECESSITY

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

REGRETS

The airport committee of the Chamber of Commerce has stated its regret that the ratepayers of Wellington failed yesterday to realise how important an adequate airport must become to Wellington city and province, in the near future, but indicates its continued willingness to assist in every way to see full aerodrome facilities provided, that Wellington shall not remain behind and fall further behind other centres.

"Those who pay the piper have a right to call the tune, but it is to be regretted that the ratepayers of Wellington were not prepared to- make the sacrifice necessary to ensure the progress of Wellington in the realm of aviation," said Mr. M. G. C. McCaul, on behalf of the committee. "The Chamber of Commerce would be the last to encourage extravagance in either public or private life, but its considered view is that modern conditions of transport make an efficient aerodrome as necessary to a commercial city as harbour and railway facilities. "Those opposed to Rongotai have stated that there is a difference of opinion among experts as"'to the suitability of Rongotai for development as an airport. This is not so. All experts agree that Rongotai is the most suitable site within thirty-five miles _of Wellington for development as an airport.

"Fortunately, owing to the foresight of the city authorities, the area at Rongotai has been secured to s thc city for all time. As time progresses even the most rabid opponent of the development of Rongotai Aerodrome will become convinced of its necessity if the prestige of the Capital City is to he maintained. The far-sighted section of the community recognise the necessity now. The less far-sighted section of the community will recognise the necessity as it becomes more obvious. That is the history of all development. It is therefore but a matter of waiting. In the meantime our city falls back in the race, but that is the price we must pay for ouri lack of enterprise.

"From a social point of view the most serious implication of the poll is the apathy of those entitled to vote. Only one-quarter of the ratepayers entitled to vote showed a sufficient sense of responsibility as citizens to go to the poll. On the occasion of the by-elec-tion in November last the chamber expressed its serious concern at the lack of publi: spirit shown- by the citizens of Wellington. If we wish to retain our free and democratic form of Government we must maintain the strength of the privilege by constant exercise."