Another Gift to Sockburn Aerodrome

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6748, 5 January 1932, Page 6

Another Gift to Sockburn Aerodrome

SIR HENRY WIGRAM’S GENEROSITY. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night. A gift of just over 81 acres immediately adjoining the Wigrani aerodrome at Sockburn has been made to the Government by Sir Henry Wigram, according to ail announcement mado by the Prime Minister to-day. The land in question will be a valuable addition to the air station as it will obviate any possibility of the existing layout being interfered with by other buildings, said Mr. .Forbes. With this land added to tho existing area of 209 acres very little development work will now be required to make the Wigram aerodrome a first-class service and training aerodrome.

It may be recalled that the Wigrarn aerodrome was formerly the property of the Canterbury Aviation Company of which Sir Henry Wigrarn was chairman. It was purchased from the company by tho Government in 1926, Sir Henry very generously contributing the sum of £IO,OOO towards tho purchase money. The Government in taking it over named it the Wigrarn aerodrome in recognition of the interest and en ttusiasm he had always displayed in connection with aviation and the financial assistance he had given in t c establishment of the station. The Prime Minister, in. a letter to bir Henry, expressed the Government’s appreciation of his generosity.