TAIERI AIRPORT

Grey River Argus, 19 March 1941, Page 2

TAIERI AIRPORT

Big Expansion I Per Press Association! WELLINGTON, March 17. The expa’nsoin of the Royal New Zealand Air Force station at Taieri by 52 acres, so that it may be used by heavy aircraft of a general reconnaissance flight, was announced today by the Minister for Defence (the Hon. F. Jones). The total amount involved in the work is £12,000. “With the expansion of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and the formation of a general reconnaissance flight at Taieri station,” the Minister said, “it has been apparent for some time that improvements to the existing flying field would be necessary to permit full use being made of the aerodrome by modern heavy aircraft. The present flying field comprises an area of approximately 210 acres, and the additional 52 acres which will be added to the north-west side of Duke’s road will result in a considerable lengthening of the north-west-south-east landing strip.” Construction work was already in progress. In the expenditure of £12,000, the main items were compensation to property-owners and the formation of the flying-field extension, including such work as the diversion of Mill creek and soil stabilisation.