Aviation Development

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 250, 23 October 1935, Page 4

Aviation Development

IMPORTANT LEGISLATIVE MEASURES Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night. The importance of aviation development to New Zealand is recognised in the Public Works Amendment .Bill, which was introduced in the House tonight and read a Jirst time. The principal section of the Hill authorises luc Government and local authorities to take or otherwise acquire under the provisions of the Public Works Act any area of laud required i'or an aerodrome. The Minister of Public Works or the local authority controlling an aerodrome will be empowered by public notice to Jix the maximum height of buildings and trees in the vicinity of aerodromes and to order the removal or lowering of trees and buildings within two months of service of notice. Tho Minister will be authorised to direct tho local authority to serve such notice. The term "local authority” as it applies to the Bill will include tho aviation authority recognised by the Local Authorities Empowering (Aviation Encouragement) Act, 192 H. The owner of tho property affected by the Hill will have the right of appeal to a Magistrate, and compensation must be paid for loss or damage.

Levin as Possible Military Aviation Centre MR M. H. ORAM’S OPINIONS. Very far reaching and hitherto almost unrealised possibilities for the future of Levin as a military aviation centre were expressed by the Democrat candidate i'or the Manawatu seat, Mr. M. H. Oram, in commenting upon the future defence measures which would be necessitated in the Dominion.

Outlining tho defence proposals of the Democrat party, Mr Oram laid particular stress upon the need i'or development iu the Air Force, which had come to be recognised as the Dominion’s most important lino of protection. Aerodromes would have to be found, pilots trained, and machines and equipment found, at as early a dale as possible. If Levin were possessed of enough e .vi'gy, there was a great opporf.... „

to be seized. No centre was surrounai. by land better suited to aerodrome construction, and there Avas no reason Avhy it should not become tho military centre, us regards aviation, for the whole of the southern portion of the North Island. The Milson aerodrome at Palmerston North had already been established as the commercial centre in this respect, but, by tho experience of overseas countries,- it Avas recognised that military and commercial aviation should be absolutely divorced from one another. Hence, said Mr Oram, if the people Avcro only alri'c to the opportunity, there Avere great possibilities for tho establishment of such an aerodrome in Levin.