Acquisition Of Kaikohe Aerodrome Site

Northern Advocate, 2 April 1941, Page 6

Acquisition Of Kaikohe Aerodrome Site

[Special to “Northern Advocate”] KAIKOHE, This Day

As a mark of respect, members of the Kaikohe Chamber of Commerce stood in silence at the monthly meeting last evening after the chairman (Mr H. F. Guy) had made brief mention of the passing of a former member, the late Mr John Routley. Mr Guy stated that the late Mr Routley had been a good battler for the town and, despite his age, had been a keen worker for all things in which he had been interested. Aerodrome Site.

A letter was received from the Minister for Defence stating that under existing circumstances the provision of an aerodrome at Kaikohe wa§ not warranted and that, if the site were obtained, it was most unlikely that the Government would proceed with its development. The Minister strongly urged that the matter be left in abeyance for some considerable time.

Mr H. Ingram reported to the meeting on a special meeting held by the town board, at the request of the chamber, to consider ways of obtaining a site.

The town board had been so interested in the project that it was making the preliminary steps towards financing the purchase. “We realised that the site could not be developed till after the war,” Mr E. Berry stated, “but we want to obtain it so that we will have it when, the war ends.” It was decided to leave the matter until receipt of advice as to steps being taken by the town board. Post Office Alterations. The postmaster (Mr Dunstall) understood that Public Works Department engineers, who recently inspected the post office, are to prepare a report for submission to the Post and Telegraph Department before the suggested alterations to the building are carried out. The Post and Telegraph Department will then communicate with the chamber regarding the alterations contemplated. Ngawha Mercury. Mr James Mearns, of Turua, wrote that after considerable experiment he discovered a satisfactory method of extracting mercury from the mud at Ngawha. He suggested that the chamber should form a syndicate to erect an experimental plant costing £SOO to produce mercury.

After a full discussion it was decided, on the motion of Mr H. Ingram, to inquire from the Minister for Mines if Mr Mearns’ method of extraction had been investigated, pointing out the low cost of the experimental plant. Telephone Service.

It was stated at the meeting that the petition being circulated through the town with a view to having the hours of the Kaikohe telephone exchange made continuous was meeting with considerable success.

The Director-General of the Post and Telegraph Department wrote that the special telephone for a street box has arrived in Kaikohe and that before the end of the present month a commencement should be made with its erection in Broadway. Postal Delivery*.

In response to a letter from the chamber, the acting Chief Postmaster stated that, owing to the acute shortage of staff and the difficulty of maintaining existing services, it was not possible to provide a postman for the town till after the war.

The resignation of Mr H. M. Rockell, who has retired to Auckland, was received with regret and an appropriate letter is to be sent him from the chamber.