THE SOUTHERN ENDOWMENT.

Evening Star, Issue 25004, 25 October 1943, Page 5

THE SOUTHERN ENDOWMENT.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I have been at a loss to understand this airport wrangle, but at last we have the real explanation for the 'opposition to the use of the Southern Endowment as an airport:—The debenture holders are concerned about their security. Well, surely it is about time the general public was considered. The suitability of the Southern Endowment for an airport is definitely a matter for the aviation experts, and as it is the only piece of land in the city that could bo utilised for the purpose 1 I should say that their opinion should be the deciding factor. Undoubtedly it-would not be suitable for large transport and passenger planes, but there are also the privatelyowned, taxi, and club planes to be considered, and this may well be quite a large consideration in years to come. With regard ' to the requirements of the Harbour Board, wharves and sheds- could be erected all the way from Harrington Point to the Boat Harbour if necessary. In fact, many of the bays cut, off by the railway are eminently "suitable for the purpose. Another point worth noting is the fact I lithe channel must be widened it the islands before larger ships come to Duncdin. Even then only comparatively small ships could come to Dunedin withoUt a-further vast expenditure. Surely the mistake of spending money on the Upper Harbour to suit a lew has been carried far enough. Already the high harbour dues have bad their effect on both shinning and the consumers' pockets. Larger ships are compelled to use Port Chalmers even now, and the logical thing to do is develop the Lower Harbour and port and push on the electrification and duplication of the railway to that port. We may then retrieve the situation, and once more encourage shipping to Otago. Anyone who doubts the wisdom of this course has only to take Ek look at the dredge Otakou any day of the week making her one trip outside the Heads to dump her spoil, and reckon up the cost to future generations.—l am,' etc.. Harbour Dues.