Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, AUGUST 14th., 1933. GREY AERODROME.

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 August 1933, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, AUGUST 14th., 1933. GREY AERODROME.

AVIATIOX interest should begin at home, and it is to be hoped that the attendance at the public meeting to be held, this evening, in the Borough Council Chambers. will he representative if not large. Aerial transport is expensive and not many can hope, meanwhile, to indulge in it. but that should not mean that the establishment and equipment of the proposed Grey aerodrome, should not be regarded as a question of general concern. The benefits to be derived will be shared, directly and indirectly, by all. in normal, and abnormal periods, and the more the enthusiasm displayed, Ihe greater prospect of real success. The need for Greymouth to advance with the times, and to institute aerial district facilities, has been often discussed, in late years, this being one topic on which there was no controversy. It is unnecessary now to repeat the arguments none disputes, nor 1o indulge in vain regrets over the delays that have ensued since the project was first; debated. The question of the best site for the aerodrome proved difficult to answer, and the economic depression added to the financial obstacles. The uncertainty cooled preliminary enthusiasm, which was periodically revived by Tasman flight successes, or by greater enterprise in smaller neighbouring towns. The day has come when something attempted should mean something done, and the citizens should, in their own interests, co-operate with the Mayor and Borough Councillors, in the effort to get a real move on. It would be rather late in the day to emphasise the benefits that are obtainable from district possessions of an aerial service, however small this may be at first. Nor does Ih(* geographical advantage Greymouth possesses in connection with Tasman flights, need any stressing. The real problem is one of finance, I and it would be foolish to pretend that monetary profits are likely to be large, if any, for the first few years. There will perhaps, be an initial rush to have flights, lint once the novelty has worn off, this source of income may hi* small. There should be some demand for quick transit between Greymouth and the larger centres in both islands, but whereas expenses will bo continuous. income may be more spasmodic. Here is a ease where Government aid may bo justly sought, especially from the Defence Department, which if wisely guided., will do its utmost to encourage I every suitable area in the Dominion. to develop a (‘rial transport.! Sjieh subsidies should bo regarded , as a legitimate part of the Defence!. Department's normal expenditure, j; All hope that there will be noj “next war.’’ but eyes must mil be shut to the possibilitios of outside t aggression. The stronger this Do- ‘ minion’s aerial equipment and the ( larger the number of its experi- ' eneed airmen, the less likelihood is -

there of wanton attack. Peace hath her aerial requirements, as well as war, and in times of floods, slips, ’quakes, and such-like possible disasters, early aerial communication with outside aid-sources, would prove invaluable. Lastly, a centra without an aerodrome, by refusing to help itself in this direction, will he left behind, where commerce is concerned, in years io come, as badly as those Homeland towns were, that fought against the introduction of railways, in the early days of that transport system.