WHANGAREI AVIATION

Northern Advocate, 18 October 1935, Page 4

WHANGAREI AVIATION

REPORT ON CONFERENCE. POSITION OF HARBOUR BOARD. ■ While expressing . disappointment that the essential first step —the appointment of a permanent controlling authority—had not been taken. Mr J. A. Finlavson, the chairman, in reporting to the Whangarei Harbour Board today upon the conference held to discuss aviation facilities for the district, said that the meeting had been satisfactory, and anticipated that good would come of it. As a result, he hoped that something definite would emerge very shortly. “There seemed to be a suggestion that the Harbour Board should be the controlling authority, as it owned the land.” said Mr K. Stevens. “That is just the reason that the board, having trade to do with the authority, should have no representation.” Mr P. Gardner: “Every local body in the district should be represented and assist in this important undertaking. We only hold the land as representatives of the people.” In answer to Mr R. H. Allan, the chairman said he understood it was the usual thing in other centres to constitute one local body as the controlling authority. Mr Finlayson agreed with statements made at the conference that those who contributed towards the cost should have a say. Although, under existing legislation, the Harbour Board could not provide funds for aviation, it would do all in its power to assist. Mr Whimp said it should be clearly understood that the suggestion that the Harbour Board should be the controlling authority had not come from the board.