Completion Of New Hokitika Airfield Delayed By Rain

Greymouth Evening Star, 5 October 1949, Page 6

Completion Of New Hokitika Airfield Delayed By Rain

Though it was hoped last autumn that the new major. aerodrome at Hokitika would be ready for the first plane before the end of this year, the prospects now are considerably dimmer. It may now be four or five months before the airfield is ready for operations. The lengthy wet spell during thewinter was one of the major disrupting factors, delaying work for long periods. Much of the plant in use on the project is also in poor condition and badly in need of an overhaul, but the interruption to the aerodrome programme has also interfered with arrangements for the replacement of this machinery. The work of extending and consolidating the two runways at the aerodrome is continuing, while attention is also being given to the surface of the nor-west-south-east strip. The completion of the drainage system is also in view. The aerodrome, which will be large enough to be used by the biggest aircraft in use in New Zealand, will be the terminus of all West Coast air services, and will also be an intermediate stop for a tran.s-Alpine service running from Christchurch to Wellington and return, via the West Coast. This service may be introduced early next year when the new landing strips have become stabilised, and buildings and other facilities established.