Onerahi ’Drome Best of Kind in New Zealand

Northern Advocate, 20 February 1939, Page 11

Onerahi ’Drome Best of Kind in New Zealand

—HON. R. SEMPLE

| "You have here the finest natural aerodrome in New Zealand," said the Hon. K. Semple. Minister of Public Works, after inspecting construction i work at Onerahi. i On his lour, he was piloted by Mr. iR. H. Packwood, District • Engineer, who was responsible for the selection of the site, and who has been in charge of the development work, extending over 113 acres. At Onerahi, Mr Semple was met by the chairman (Mr W. Jonesl and members of the Whangarei Aviation Board. He traversed the three miles of new roads, crossing the levelled plateau to see at work the two Carryall tractors, which have moved 80 per cent, of the ’ 200,000 yards of spoil.

A feature of the aerodrome which especially commended itself-to the experts among the party was that Ihe longest runway. 11G0 yards, is in the direction of the prevailing westerly wind. Other runways of 960 and 730 yards are provided. For taking off, conditions could not be bettered, as the surface of the plateau, surrounded on three sides by the sea, stands 60 feet above the water and clear of the fogs. That gives immediate elevation from the two main runways.

“When it is considered that only 18 months have elapsed since I was here finally to confirm the site, and that since then complicated negotiations for the acquisition of the land, and removal of 23 houses, have been completed. the progress in construction is most gratifying. “Provided a satisfactory take-off grass is obtained this autumn, the aerodrome will be ready for use about November,” said Mr Semple. Natural Advantages.

“No other aerodrome has two runways going right out to sea on all sides,” said Mr Semple, speaking at an informal welcome given him at the Parua Bay hotel. “Natural advantages at Onerahi are unsurpassed, and I am sure that When the people of Whangarei see it completed, under grass, properly equipped and with a ground service, they will have a real picture at their doors.” On the construction side, there had not been the same degree of mechanis- \ ation as on some larger works, but the promise given when negotiations for the acquisition of the land were under way, that once the work was undertakeh progress • would Startle the natives, had been fulfilled. Everything Replaced. When the Airport Bill was before the Hduse, Mr Semple said, the question of deprivation Of the OhOrahi, Domain and tennis courts was raised. After visiting the five new tennis courts, excavated from’ the side of the hill, with a beautiful background of native bush, and overlooking the blue and restless ocean, he was sure the local people had been more than compensated. When these courts were completed, there would be nothing so picturesque and wonderful anywhere in the country. Native bush surrounding the site, hitherto privately owned, had been preserved for all time.

He was satisfied that the Government had not taken anything away from the people of Onerahi which it had not more than replaced. ,