AIR TERMINAL

Evening Star, Issue 22806, 15 November 1937, Page 8

AIR TERMINAL

CONVENIENCE AND SAFETY! MAIN FACTORS IN SELECTION SEAPLANE EXTENSION NOT PROPOSED Convenience and safety were emphasised to-day by the Hon. F. Jones (Minister of Defence) as the main factors governing the selection of an air terminal base. He was questioned on Southland’s claims that Paterson’s Inlet was entitled to consideration, together with Auckland and Wellington- harbours.

“ We are prepared to consider any place in New Zealand thought by the people to be suitable as a terminal for overseas air services, but the main factors weighing in any decision must be convenience and safety,” said the Minister. “ Southland’s claims have been advanced, and that is the tenor of the Government’s reply.” No proposal had been received that a seaplane base should be established in the Upper Harbour at Dunedin, said Mr Jones. With tw;o military and repair aerodromes at Auckland and the training school at Wigram, the main requirements of the Air Force were already met. There was no doubt, however, that every aerodrome in the country had definite defence value, but a major extension of bases was not contemplated. “ No plans are being considered for the purchase of more seaplanes,” said Mr Jones in reply to a question. “ The opinion is expressed by people in authority and with undeniable knowledge that ‘ land ’ aeroplanes are now being so highly developed that the time is coming when they will displace, the flying boats.” The selection of an emergency landing ground north of Dunedin, for use when weather conditions make safe landings at the Taieri aerodrome impossible, had not yet been determined, said the Minister, An area in the sandhills at Waikouaiti and another possible ground at Waianakarua had been- surveyed by the Public Works Department, but meteorological observations over a long period to give the' frequencies of foggy weather at either place were necessary before a final report could be made. ■