BOLD ACTION PROPOSED TO PREMIER

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22666, 17 June 1948, Page 4

BOLD ACTION PROPOSED TO PREMIER

AIR SERVICES RESTORATION

THE laying-down of consolidated runways at Darton Field to make Gisborne’s aerodrome independent of weather conditions was proposed to the Prime Minister by a deputation representing the Gisborne Chamber of Commerce which met Mr. P. Fraser by appointment at the aerodrome yesterday afternoon.

After viewing the condition in which the recent floods left the field, Mr. Fraser promised to give speedy and sympathetic consideration to reports on what measures should be taken to re-establish regular air traffic to and from Gisborne. Led by; Messrs. T. A. N. Corson and G. A. Nichols, the deputation showed the Prime Minister the effects of the flood and emphasised the serious retarding effect upon communications; which suspension' of air services had had. ft was pointed out that two courses were open for immediate consideration, the first being to provide minimum facilities for a feeder service which would keep Gisborne in touch with the main airways with a light type of aircraft, and the second a major programme of runway improvement which would stand against Hood ravages. Both courses could be instituted at an early date, it was suggested, and some definite action was imperative in view of the difficulties which stormweather created in regard to road and rail communications into and out of Gisborne.

Consolidated Runways Suggested The runway improvement programme was considered essential to the future use of the airfield by the types of aircraft which eventually would be flown on regular services m the Dominion, and the deputation pointed out that in its opinion dependence upon a grassed surface for take-offs and landings must give way to the idea of consolidated runways capable o£ bearin'* heavy aircraft in full safety, and not subject to weather hazards. The Prime Minister expressed the keenest interest in the proposals, and discussed various angles of the projected programme with Messrs. E. W. Me ■ Ennis and E. A. Madden, resident engi- ■ neer and grasslands expert of the 1 Scientific and Industrial Research De- ' partment respectively. ' At the close of the discussion he intimated that improvement in facilities for air travel was regarded as a most i important matter by the Government, i and that plans produced by the ; J* drome division of the Works Min s.ry i v.ould receive careful and sympathetic [ consideration from the Cabin" 1 uca they came forward.