Milson' Drome

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7031, 15 December 1932, Page 7

Milson ' Drome

What of the Future? ANNUAL MEETING OF CONTROLLING BODY The annual meeting of members of Milson Aerodrome (Inc.) was held last evening. Mr. D. F. Smillie presided and others present were: Messrs W. A. Waters, D. Watson, T. 8. Madge, vr. W. Dixon, R. Linklater, A. J. Phillipps, H. Collinson, F. Pegden, L. H. Collinson and If. G. Chamberlain (hon. secretary). Apologies were received from Messrs M. H. Oram and H. E. Edmunds. The President’s Review. The annual report presented to members and adopted stated:— The purpose for which the society was constituted—the establishment of adequate aerodrome facilities for Palmerstou North—naviug now been completed, the question to l)e considered is whether the society should continue m existence in its present form or whether some, more appropriate arrangement can be made for the permanent maintenance of the aerodrome as a public utility.

1 ‘ This committee acting in conjunction with the Aero Club, recently approached the City Council and the Kairanga County Council, with a view to obtaining their co-operation in the establishment of a permanent Airport Board under the provisions of the Local Bodies Empowering (Aviation Encouragement) Act, 1929. A conference with these local authorities was held and both showed every appreciation of the importance of the aerodrome as a civic institution and expressed their desire to co-operate in its maintenance. The Kaifanga County Council subsequently advised that it could not at present undertake the liability involved, but it recognised that this body had already contributed Substantially in the improvement of the road access, and the responsibility for its future maintenance. The City Council for its part submitted to its solicitors the proposal regarding its representation on an Airport Board and was advised that p-hile the Act provided for any local body or combination of local bodies to establish and maintain an aerodrome there was no power for it to combine with any other institution such as the Aero Club or Milson Aerodrome for this purpose.

“The position at present is therefore that tho amount of £I7OO set aside from, the art union funds by arrangement between tho Manawatu Aero Club and Milson Aerodrome is vested in a special trust which was set up to administer these funds until such time as a permanent Airport Board was formed. These moneys are now invested, on fixed deposit with the Bank of New Zealand. The resolution on which this trust was created was passed by a combined meeting of the Aero Club and Milson Aerodrome and provides for the transfer of the moneys becoming absolute ou completion of agreement with the City Council and/or ICairanga County Council and/or other local authority to take over the lease and maintenance of tho aerodrome. This condition being apparently incapable of fulfilment at present, the position will now require to bo reviewed.

“The balance sheet shows the capital value of tho aerodromo improvements to be approximately £550 in addition to which there are other uoostantial improvements provided without cost to the society such as tne hangar floor, entrance gates, etc. ii therefore tho above mentioned endowment moneys can be made permanently available for the maintenance of the aerodrome, the total capital value of assets will be approximately £2400. “In reviewing the establishment and development of the Milson aerodrome over the past twp years the society may justifiably take the credit for naving carried out a valuable public service to the city of Palmerston North and district, in providing an aerodrome which possesses practically all the essential qualities and facilities lor present and future requirements. The selection of tho site has proved a fortunate one, considered from tho point of view of its accessibility to the city, its freedom from surrounding obstructions and general safety, and the effectiveness of the drainage improvements carried out last year which have made the winter conditions excellent.

Acknowledgements. ‘•The financing of the development of tho aerodrome and the erection’ ot buildings, etc., was provided in the early stages entirely by tho advances made by members, assisted later by a bauk overdraft guaranteed by publicspirited citizens and by generous assistance and accommodation extended by local business firms and individuals. It is in fact almost impossible to enumerate all those who havo helped from time to time to further the work. The City Council provided the concrete floor of the hangar, the Xairanga County Council have undertaken considerable expenditure in improving the road access, Mr. W. G. Black, on behalf of the R-otary Club, provided the very fine entrance gates and ornamental fences, and other supporters have been most generous in various directions.” Concluding, the president took the opportunity of expressing his personal thanks to all members of the society for the splendid support given during a very trying period, and especially referred to the hon secretary, Mr. K. G. Chamberlain', for his untiring efforts in the interests of the formation of the Aerodrome. Election of Office Bearers. Officers for the coming year were elected as follow:—President, Mr. D. F. Smillic; vice-president, Mr. A. J. Phillipps; committee, Messrs W. A. Waters, L. H .Collinson, H. E. Edmunds, F. Pegden, T. S. Madge, D. Watson, G. W. Dixon, R. Linklater and H. Collinson; auditor, Mr. R. H. Spencer; secretary and treasurer, Mr. K. G. Chamberlain. General business regarding the management of the aerodromo was dealt with and preliminary arrangements for welcoming Air Commodore j3ir Charles

Kingsford Smith and making the necessary extension of aerodrome facilities for the Southern Cross were put iu hand.

A unanimous expression of appreciation of the valuable services rendered to the aerodrome by the president, Mr. Fj ftmillieji wag placed on record,/