CIVIL AVIATION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 163, 11 June 1929, Page 10

CIVIL AVIATION.

DEVELOPMENTS PREDICTED

Per Press Association

MASTERTON, Juno 10

An important statement on the aviation policy was made by tire Minister of Defence (Hon. T. M. Wilford) when ho addressed a large number of local body and other representatives in Masterto.il to-day. The Minister was accompanied by the Director of Aviation (Major T. M. Wilkes). Tho Minister urged that the development of civil aviation had in itself the strongest claims to consideration, lie predicted very important developments in this category in New Zealand within tho next year or two. He contended also that, though the country could not at present afford to develop an ambitious scheme of air defence, it was vitally necessary that the ground work be laid by providing chains of landing grounds, developing “air sense” and fostering commercial flying. The Minister declared that belore long a town without an aerodrome would be as much out of the running as a town was at present if it had no railway station. It was indicated by district representatives that a scheme of civil aviation would bo supported strongly in the Wairarapa, the question at present being considered by the committee of the Wairarapa Progressive League. The Minister inspected possible landing places in the district. If suitable areas were not found in Masterton, the Minister said, they would search further down the valley. Mr Wilford observed During my recent travels abroad, I realised how far behind New Zealand was in this important branch of transport. I have been inspecting grounds from Auckland to livercargill and now we have four our way to Masterton. It took us over three hours *to come by rail from Wellington to Masterton and by aeroplane the same journey could bo accomplished in half an hour. If you want people to stay here, it is important that aeroplane landing grounds* be provided.”