SAFETY IN AVIATION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 306, 24 November 1932, Page 8

SAFETY IN AVIATION

PROPOSED USE OF FORESHORE. WELLINGTON, Nov. 24. The use of the Porirua foreshore as a landing ground for aeroplanes, was discussed by the Minister of Defence, Hon. J. G. Cobbe, in the House yesterday, in replying to a question by Mr W. H. Field. Mr Field asked whether, having in view the frequency of fog conditions on the hills surrounding Wellington, and the serious resulting danger to travellers by air attempting to reach the city, two valuable lives having been lost recently from this cause, the Government would favourably consider the question of establishing a landing-place for ’planes on the extensive foreshore at Porirua. “The foreshore at Porirua already affords a safe forced landing-ground, particularly at low-water,” the Minister said. “While it could undoubtedly be improved by means of a stopbank this is not essential, since in bad weather conditions (information concerning which is always available to pilots) a landing should be made at Levin aerodrome. The only advantage of an intermediate landing ground at Porirua over available areas further north is that it is within more reasonable access to the city and, as such, might be valuable_ in cases in which urgent flights to Wellington have to be undertaken.”