NEW AERODROME

Hokitika Guardian, 22 September 1937, Page 4

NEW AERODROME

CHANGE AT BLENHEIM CENTRE OF COMMERCIAL SERVICES (Per Press Association —Copyright). BLENHEIM, September 21. From to-inorrow the commercial air services operated by Union Airways and Cook Strait Ainvays will change their aerodrome headquarters in Blenheim from the Woodbourne aerodrome to the municipal airport, and in future all flying activities in the province will lx* concentrated at one aerodrome The decision to make an immediate change Over was made this morning after consultation’s among Mr F. M. Clarke (manager of Union Airways), Mr E. 11. Thomson (manager of Cook Strait Airways), and officials of the Marlborough Aero Club, and inarms the culmination of negotiations among the two commercial services, the Aero Club, and the civil aviation authorities for some time.

The aerodrome is regarded as nun of the finest in the country, and the surface is now completed after many months of levelling and sowing. The final touches were done a few days ago bv the Pnhlie Works Department, and it is considered that the area is now quite ready to cope adequately with extensive flying both by commercial and club pilots. This afternoon wireless equipment, was taken from Woodbourne to the new aerodrome, and will he ready for operation’ when the first aeroplane is in the air at 7.30 to-morrow morning. The administration building at present at Woodbourne will ho shifted when a decision is made as to its new site, and. in the meantime, part of the Aero Club’s dnl) house will bo available for file use of passengers and for administratis purposes.

Commenting on tbe change over this afternoon, Messrs Clarke and Thomson said that although the move had been made quickly, it had been necessary that it should be done overnight. A satisfactory arrangement had been concluded with the Aero Club, the co-

operation of which liad been a pleasing feature of the negotiations, and it was considered that the new aerodrome", which was considerably closer to town, would he for the greater convenience of the travelling public. Both companies desired to pay a tribute 10 the public spiritedness of the Fairhall Brothers, owners of the Woodbourne site, in providing a landing ground until the new aerodrome was ready. Air Thomson also said that a pnrtv flew from Woodbourne and landed at the municipal airporF. where they had taxied over the field several times to test its qualities, and had been highly pleased both with the surface and the general facilities of the aerodrome.