AIR FACILITIES.

Evening Star, Issue 25768, 15 April 1946, Page 7

AIR FACILITIES.

TO THE EDITOR. | Sir, —Tiie recent failure of the aeroplane from the North to land at the L'aieri airport owing to fog must be very disconcerting to the Dunedin public, and they must be wondering what is going to happen when air traffic becomes a general thing, as it will in the very near future. As a visitor to your fair city I cannot understand why attention is not turned to the possibilities of making an airport by reclaiming the upper reach of the harbour. There are few cities in the world that have such an advantage—an airport at their own front door. There is plenty of space—looking at it, roughly 1 should say one mile by one mile and a-quarter—a good, clear come-in from the sea, very little fog, 1 am told, and not too much interference for radar when it comes into use for civil aviation. Long runways will not be necessary in the future, as there is little doubt but that means will be devised for giving the craft a lift so that it will become airborne more quickly than as at present. Then, again, you have the harbour alongside for the handling of seaplanes—truly a wonderful combination. - I understand that there has been some talk of such an airport, but the idea has not met with any encouragement from the powers that be. more particularly the Harbour Board, who think that their rights will be interfered with; but surely they would derive a benefit from the landing of air and seaplanes_ just as they do now from the bringing in of ships. The harbour is in their care for the benefit of the citizens, to whom it belongs, and should be used to the best advantage. The board should move with the times. I understand that there are a few people" in Dunedin with vision on aviation matters, including* one of the pioneers of air transport in New Zealand, and that he has suggested that practical experts should be called in to give an opinion, men who have seen airports in different parts of the world and who have a practical knowledge ol flying. This idea seems sound to me. Air transport is going to play a great part in the world trade as well hs passenger traffic, and every live city should prepare for it or it will get. left. Practical aviation is coming much quicker than most people expect, and I should imagine that Dunedin does not want to be left behind or to miss the great opportunity that Nature has given her. If she cannot make a harbour let her show the world that she can make an airport, and a unique one. right at her front door. Y» r ake up. Dunedin.—T am, etc., April 13 Travelled Englishman.