HAWERA’S AIR PORT.

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 20 August 1929, Page 4

HAWERA’S AIR PORT.

A PRODR OME PROPOSAL

ASSISTANOE R EQUESTED

BOROUGH COUNCIL’S SYMPATHY

Following representations made by a deputation last- evening, the- Hawera Borough. Council recorded a resolution expressing sympathy with the aims of the Hawera. Aero Chib to have an adequate aerodrome, and acoommodlaitiou established at Hawera, but decision with reference to the deputation’s, re-' quest for a monetary grant of £l6O was deferred pending consideration next week of estimates of expenditure for the current- financial year.

The deputation which represented -the Aero Club committee <amd- residents of the town consisted of 18 persons, the speakers being Messrs B. McCarthy and C. Freyberg. A number of apologies for absence were tendered, mending one from the chairman of the Chamber of Commerce (Mr B. C. Bennett). Aviation was developing throughout the Dominion and it- was the object of the club to ensure as far as possible that the South Taranaki district -should keep puce with the times -in that respect, said Mr McCarthy. MEMBERSHIP OF 256.

’fhe dub had now a membership- of 2-56 and funds amounting to £2lB, while- another £6O was in sight-. Voluntary contributions accounted for £l3O. Suitable grounds for an airport had! been secured about two and a half miles from Hawera on a- farm property occupied by Mr Dunlop, on the Turuturu Road. The grounds provided runways of 470 yards to 690 yards in ’length. A good level surface was already afforded, and no surface work was required other than the removal of certain lengths of fence and hedges and a- certain amount of roller work. The approaches were good from every direction for the purpose of the landing and take-off of planes, the neighbourhood being free of obstruction. A lease for 10 years a.t an annual rental of £l2O had! been arranged bv the club land it was proposed to distribute locality plans to . other chilis and cor item ooraiy organisations to assist visiting planes in reaching the grounds. T.he grounds hn.il heen approved bv the Director of Aviation for ilio Dominion. FLANS FOR HANGAR,.

Plans for a, hangar measuring GOft by 50ft had been prepared by Messrs Duffill and archriiteet® of Hawera, the estimated "cost being £477. That amount represented materials alone, no allowance being made for labour, which it- was anticipated would be given without- cost- to the club. The plans were for a hangar double the size of that erected at New Plymouth, which tost £260. but which, it was understood, was not large enough to accommodate ah types of planes which might be expected to visit the district. Full consideration had been given to the matter, and it was considered that the Hawera scheme could not be regarded as being too ambitious. The position at present was that the club was faced with an expenditure of £7OO for the first year, the only recurring charge being for the ground rent. The deputation asked that the council make a. donation of £lO9 towards the cost of the hangar and £6O towards the ground rental—a total of £l6O. It was desired to make the aerodrome self-supporting through (landing charges levied in much the same manner as harbourage fees, but in the .initial stages definite revenue from! that source would not be expected.

AIR TRANSPORT COMPANY. He .reminded 1 the council of the legislation at present before Parliament empowering local bodies to grant assistance to recognised! air authorities, and pointed out that the indications woro that air transport would be established throughout the Dominion iiii the near future, a company for that purpose being already under formation with a capital of £’250,000. People of Ha»wera, and district should, be urged, be alive to their own interests and make early provision for the establishment of landing grounds and facilities. 11l England, America and France municipal bodies were assisting with the establishment. of aerodromes. The Hawera Aero Club had already received enthusiastic public support, and offers of free labour on the proposed hangar had been made. The town and district had already been favoured with the visit of miamy ’planes, which, owing to the courtesy of the Figmont Racing Club, had! .been permitted to use the racecourse as a landing ground 1 , and to keep pace, with fu T tore requirements of air transport,. it was essential that adequate facilities should be afforded, concluded Air McCarthy in expressing the hope thiat the council would extend its sympathy and practical support. “I think everyone is .seized of the importance of aviation and the big part it is likelv to play in future transport,” said Mr Freyberg in supporting the representations made by Air Ato Oarthy.

SPECIAL AUTHORITY REQUIRED

Referring to the Bill, metuioned by Mr McCarthy, the Mayor explained that tlig authorised assistance in the case of the Hawera Borough would be limited to £SO unless special authority to exceed that amount was received from the Loans Board. Air AleGarthy: Then we hope you will go the distance of getting the consent of the Loans Board. The Allay or: Personally, I am dm sympathy with the movement, and so, 1 think, laire all the councillors, hut. we must consider the financial aspect .before. making any definite commitment. Following the withdrawal of the deputation, a debate ensued on a. motion proposed hv Or. G. J. Bayley and .seconded by Or. A. K. North, that the. requested grant- of £l6O he made, nndl that tin- necessary authority be applied for.

I Or. E. Morrissey moved as an aiiiendi merit that consideration lie deferred until tiie estimates tof the council’s' .expenditure for the year were prepared. This was seconded by Or. AY. G. Simpso lilt was eventually decided, on the suggestion of CY. AY. G. AAnlkley, to communicate with the club giving an assurance of the eouncili’s sympathy with the project and stating that, decision concerning the request for a donation would lie made after the borough estimates, had been considered. On till 2 motion of Or. J. At, Townsend, it was decided to hold a 'meeting of the conncu on Monday next to consider the estimates. *