AUCKLAND AERODROME

Greymouth Evening Star, 2 June 1938, Page 5

AUCKLAND AERODROME

LARGE AREA PURCHASED [per press association - .] AUCKLAND, June 1. The taking for defence purposes of an area of approximately 600 acres of land near Whenuapai, in the Waitemata survey district, is announced in the Gazette by the Minister for Public Works. It is stated that the land is taken under the Public Works Act, and that the proclamation becomes effective as from May 26. Although the Gazette notice contains no suggestion of the purpose for which the land has been taken, other than that it is for defence purposes, the belief is general that the area will comprise the new defence aerodrome, mentioned by the Minister for Defence (the Hon. F. Jones) at Dargaville recently, as being contemplated at Whenuapai. The price paid for the land, which is held by several farmers, is not disclosed. The block of land lies approximately two miles north-west of the present Royal New Zealand Air Force base at Hobsonville. Most of the land is being farmed, and is generally Hat and unbroken by creeks or hills. There, are. however, houses as well as trees and hedges on the area, recently surveyed, which comprises the whole of some owners’ holdings and parts of others. In his recent review of the defences of New Zealand, Mr. Jones mentioned that the Government had approved of the formation of two new operational stations, one. at Ohakea. near Feilding, and ong probably at Whenuapai. It is understood that the 30 Vickers Wellington bombers ordered by the Government will be allocated to (hose stations. That the establishment of the new operational station at Whenuapai would not mean the abandonment of the Hobsonville -base was suggested by the Minister. He mentioned that the Government had approved' of the establishment of Hobsonville as' a repair base and stores depot, and buildings are at present under construction for the accommodation of a larger staff.