Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19yh., 1937. GREYMOUTH’S AIRPORT.

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 February 1937, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19yh., 1937. GREYMOUTH’S AIRPORT.

ETTER late than never, and Greymouth has eau.se for gratification that at long last, it has an adequately-equipped air-

port, the official opening of which will take place to-morrow. Many winds have blown since the project was first discussed, and whilst Greymouth talked, other centres acted. However, all’s well that ends well, and due to the practical

energies of a few enthusiasts, aided by Government and local body grants, Greymouth now possesses tin airport that should be sufficient to meet traffic, requirements for several years. The desirability of Greymouth moving with the times where aerial transport is concerned, is denied by few, and it is pleasing to note that authorities agree /that the

airport and its lay-out are of commendable standards, and only in rare instances, will planes’ comings and goings be impracticable. A regular tri-weekly service between Greymouth. Nelson and Wellington, is to begin next week, and ii is io be hoped that (he public demand will be such that daily services will be warranted. When time is important, the new facility will he a boon, and within a short time will be accepted as commonplace. The bulk of passenger and goods traffic will be continued to be handled by railways, cars, and boats, but there is a real need!

for the speedier aerial 1 ranspori. as lime should soon prove. In welcoming the planes, the general publie are hopeful that as little annoyance as possible will be caused to hospital patients and others resident near the airport, and that flights over the town and district will be conducted in such

manner that no cry of ’‘air-hogs” will be raised. Apart from local pleasure flights, and trips to Wellington and other main centres, Greymouth’s geographical position gives it special advantages when Tasman flights are being arranged. Such services must develop with the years, and Greymouth should share in the commercial harvest. In the matter of national defence, too, it is advisable that the West - Coast should have adequate aerial facilities. Most experts agree that the best way for New Zealand to deal with foreign aggression will be by aerial attack, and the plans, now being discussed to safeguard the Dominion must be framed largely on such lines. Altogether to-morrow ■will be an important day in Greymouth’s history. Commendations of those who have helped to bring the new airport into being, will be accompanied by community good wishes for the success and development of the enterprise, with a minimum of accident, and a maximum of benefit to all concerned.