Local Bodies Slighted

Grey River Argus, 28 June 1947, Page 8

Local Bodies Slighted

Members of the Buller County Council, at its monthly meeting, criticised the method adopted by the chairman of the National Airways Corporation, Sir Leonard Isitt, in giving notice of his intention to make a hurried visit to Westport on July 8, and of hurried arrangements entailed to meet him before his departure for Greymouth later in the day. It was stated Buller local bodies had had no direct advice, but had received details from the secretary of the Westland District Progress League. It was suggested that as the time of the visit would be very short, the visitor be asked to postpone his call until a more suitable occasion, but eventually it was decided that as it was extremely desirable that Sir Leonard be approached on the status of the Westport aerodrome, he be asked to extend the time of his visit. Cr I. Tyler said it was a slight to Buller local bodies to have to rely on the Westland League for advice of Sir Leonard’s visit to Westport, where it was so necessary that he should express views on the requests for improved air services to and from that town. A promise had been given that Sir Leonard would visit the district, he said, and he considered it a gross insult that his arrangements had to be made through the Westland League.