FOXTON

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 195, 16 July 1930, Page 12

FOXTON

AVIATION LANDING GROUND, (From Our Own Correspondent.) FOXTON, July 15. Some time ago Major Wilkes inspected tho old river bed at the beach with the object of ascertaining its suitability or otherwise as an aviation landing ground. Following on this inspection Major Grant Dalton, Director of the New Zealand Air Force, visited Foxton for the purpose of making a porsonal inspection of tho landing ground at tho instigation of the Foxton Chamber of Commerce. In a letter to the Foxton Borough Council he enclosed tho following report on tho proposed aorodromo, formulated by Major Wilkes: “The ground is situated on the north bank of tho Manawatu River at Manawatu Heads and consists of a basin and extensive fiats amongst tho sand dunes. Tho surface in place? i 3 bare sand, but for tho most part is covered with weeds and grass and is generally firm. The basin which constitutes the southern portion of tho level area is approximately 800 yards by 500 yards and could bo readily enlarged and a long flat of approximately another 1000 yards brought into tho level area. A small power lino on tho southern side of the basin constitutes tho only obstacle, but this could bo buried at a small cost. Tho whole surface would require to bo grassed in order to make it firm and to prevent damage to engines by wind borno sand.” Commenting on the report, Major Grant Dalton said that possibly the areas mentioned had been a little exaggerated. He considered that it would be difficult tlo obtain a suitable area at the heads without the expenditure of a considerable sum of money. Even then it would be diffioult to obtain a suitable area of greater dimensions than 600yds by 440yds, bringing it into the requirements of a Class 4 aerodrome. Ho was not sure that it would be necessary to cover the whole area with grass, but this could bo left to experience to decide. Ho had not seen the ground in the summer so it was difficult for him to say whether there would bo any risk of damage to engines through loose wind borne sand. NOTES. Mr P. Mairs, of Paraparaumu, is at present on a visit to his daughter, Mis S. E. Gowley, of Foxton. The Manawatu Automobile Association has recently had erected sign posts which should bo very handy for motorists negotiating flood waters at Whirokino. At the corner of Union and Johnston Streets, a large sign has been erected to advise the travelling public if the road is open for traffic or not negotiable owing to the depth of the flood waters, and pointing out a deviation route via Shannon. Along the highway subject to inundation posts have been erected to notify the depth and places are also indicated where it is safe for cars negotiating tho stretch at tho same time to pass whero tho road is under water. Tho Borough Council, at its last monthly meeting, forwarded a copy of a resolution to the Minister for Justice (Hon. J. G. Cobbe) in support of a resolution passed by the Grand Lodge of the International Order of Good Templars suggesting that in order to abate the evils of drinking at dance halls, etc., an amendment should be made to tho Police Offences Act making it illegal to consume liquor in cars or other vehicles in the vicinity of such premises. A reply has now been received from tire Minister to the effect that the matter is receiving his careful consideration. Some time ago tho Foxton Borough Council agitated for the protection of the Round Bush scenic reserve on the Fox-ton-Himatangi Road from _ the ravages of stock. The support of various local bodies throughout the district was sought and obtained in this connection and a request was forwarded to the Department of Lands and Survey asking that the area bo fenced in. The department has now replied io tho effect that it is impossible for it to have this work carried out owing to the financial stringency. BOROUGH COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of the Foxton Borough Council was held last evening, being presided over by the Mayor (Mr

M. E. Perreau). There was a full attendance of councillors. Motions of sympathy were accorded the relatives of the late Sir Joseph Ward, Mr Francis Robinson and Mr Charles Spring. In moving the motions the Mayor said that they all realised the irreparable loss the Dominion had sustained in the death of Sir Joseph Ward. He had done his duty as a citizen and statesman. The whole British Empire mourned the loss of such an able statesman. With regard to tho deaths of the two local residents, they, too, had been true citizens and the _ town would have nothing to aomplain of if the younger generation followed such good patterns of citizenship. A letter was received from the Railway Department relating to evidence to be placed before the commission relative to tho Fox ton branch line. The Palmerston North Borough Council also wrote asking the council to advise them of the two local delegates to represent the council at a conference to deal with the matter. The Mayor said he was attending the meeting at Rangiotu. The matter was serious. If the train was taken away shipping would also cease. There were practically 1100 tons of cargo coming into Foxton by boat each month at present, most of whioh was railed away. Should this cease the cost of living would be greatly increased throughout the district. The Mayor and Cr. Rangiheuea were appointed to attend the conference to be convened by tho Palmerston North Borough Council and also the commission sitting at Wellington. A deputation comprising sixteen of the local unemployed waited on the council, pointing out the seriousness of the present position and asking for assistance. The matter was considered in committee after the retirement of the deputation and it was finally decided to subsidise up to £ICO all money raised by the unemployed committee £1 for £l. A committee comprising Crs. Cowley, Robinson and Roes was set up to confer with the unemployment committee in connection with the expenditure of the money. A schedule of proposed works was drawn up to bo submitted to the combined committee and it is hoped to commence some works immediately. Over £6 has already been collected. A big canvass of the town and district will take place on Wednesday, when it is anticipated £IOO will be raised. It was decided to offer the Town Hall free of cost to the visiting band from the Jubilee Institute of the Blind on September 19. Accounts amounting to £1304 6s were passed for payment.