THE MILSON AERODROME

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 6, 7 December 1931, Page 6

THE MILSON AERODROME

The official opening of the Milson Aerodrome on Saturday afternoon was an event of greater significance perhaps for the future than the actual present. Aviation, it seems agreed, has not reached the stage of development anticipated a few years ago when, it was hoped, air services by now would be in operation all over the countryside. Companies which have been formed have lacked public support to make them profitable ventures. The reason, no doubt, is that New Zealanders have not become as air minded as in other parts of the Empire, especially Canada, whose great open spaces favour such services. But the progress being made in this Dominion cannot be denied. Aero clubs are performing - a very valuable service. Interest in aviation is being inculcated in their young members, who are showing proficiency in the science of flying, and gradually people are taking advantage of the opportunity to make use of aeroplanes for urgent long distance business. The time, indeed, may not be so far distant when an inland town without an aerodrome will be at a very serious disadvantage. Certainly, it would have been a grievous lapse if Palmerston North were without landing and hangar facilities. Eor the excellent aerodrome at Milson the residents of this' important city and district are under a deep debt of gratitude to the gentlemen comprising the Milson Aerodrome, Inc., who in turn have received excellent support from the Manawatu Aero Club who rent the field from the controlling authority; from the City and Kairanga County Councils; from private bodies and from local residents. Palmerston. North holds an unrivalled position in the air communications of the Dominion, the city's importance being considerably enhanced by this reason. Saturday’s event, which was highly successful, therefore marked an important step forward in its progress. In future years, not the least important of the city’s civic amenities will be its aerodrome.