AIRPORT SITE.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVIII, Issue 10730, 30 October 1928, Page 6

AIRPORT SITE.

MAKARAKA RACECOURSE IDEAL.

MR DOUGLAS MILL’S OPINION

Areas of land likely to be suitable for ail aerodrome on the outskirts of the- town were. 1 inspected by Mr Douglas Mill, the well-known Auckland..airman, who arrived here in his Moth plane on Sunday. He was escorted on the tour by Messrs I''. Tolerton, president, and FI. F. Forster., of tlie Chamber of Commerce, and Mr Geo. Nicholls. A tract of rough land at the south end of Lvtton Koad 'on tile northern side of Awapuni lagoon, was examined, but the visitor maintained that the presence of the lagoon would limit area available for the landing ground and in any case the cost.of levelling would be excessive. ' 'The enclosed area of the Park racecourse was next inspected, and. although generally suitable if a certain amount of levelling was done, the uso of the area as a landing ground was eliminated by reason of the fact that it would interfere with Iraininir of horses on the inside track in the early morning and in the evening. Mr Mill was much impressed In the facilities offered by the Makaraka course, and expressed the opinion that the Borough Council should negotiate to secure the land inside the track for the establishment of an aerodrome. Very little levelling was required to provide runways for the planes, and if a portion or the open drain crossing the land were covered iri an excellent ground would be provided. •Air Mill expressed the opinion that once Gisborne established an airport regular services would be inaugurated between Auckland, Gisborne, Napier and New PlymouthMr.'Mill left Gisborne on his way to , Auckland as quietly as he came. He hopped off from Waikanae Beach about noon yesterday, and, becauso he. was unfamiliar with the country, intended to % high. He was accorded an enthusiastic send-off by a crowd; who gathered on the beach. Before leaving he announced his intention of paying another visit, but not until Gisborne had better facilities for landing and accommodating planes. (Special To The Times!. OPOTIKI, Oct. 29. The Moth aeroplane passed over Opotiki at 1.30 p.m. to-dav, qn route from Gisborne to Auckland.