NELSON’S NEW AERODROME

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 2 July 1936, Page 6

NELSON’S NEW AERODROME

AMENDED PLANS APPROVED EARLY COMMENCEMENT OF WORK The amended plans for the new aerodrome on the Quarantine Reserve site will be approved by the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. R. Semple, who yesterday stated to a deputation from the Nelson Harbour Board that he would forward official notice of the approval as soon as he returned to Wellington. In asking if the Minister would approve of the amended plans Mr A. Gould (chairman of the board) said the" board was being guided by Mr G. Bolt. In reply the Minister said the proposed plans would be given his approval. The modification which had been made had been sound, and by it the board would have an aerodrome to suit the requirements of aviation at the present time and have something in hand for further development in the future. “You have laid the foundation for Nelson’s aerodrome — like the silk-worm, you have ; spun your cocoon, you have done your job,” continued the Minister. He said the work would probably cost £30.000 tf done entirely by machinery. The Department did not intend to go from the sublime to the ridiculous in mechanis-. ing everything, but he did not see why 8s 6d per yard should be paid for the removal, of spoil when it could be done for nearer 6d. The Government would contribute towards aerodromes to be controlled by local bodies, but the actual percentage the Government would give had not yet been decided, though £4 for £1 had been suggested. Unless the Government, needed the 'dromes they would not be taken from the Deople 'who had contributed towards their cost. It was proposed in the formation of the Nelson aerodrome to give the first test to modern machinery which was being imported. Two machines costing £15.000 would be demonstrated on the Rongotai aerodrome for a week or two. and then would be shipped to Nelson, the aerodrome being the first major work to be done by that means. The Minister in conclusion stressed the advantages of air travel and its saving of time, cost and energy He pointed out that he had attended a Cabinet meeting that morning and had caught, the midday ’plane for Nelson. “Coming over "in the ’plane to-day.” he said. “I felt just as safe, I and my wife did also, as if we were I by our own fireside.” I