RONGOTAI AIRPORT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 4 December 1940, Page 5

RONGOTAI AIRPORT

BUSIEST IN NEW ZEALAND QUESTION OF EXTENSIONS [United Press Association] WELLINGTON, This Day. During the past six months Rongotai I airport, Wellington, had handled more passengers and cargo than the rest of the airports in New Zealand combined, said Captain Holm, in presenting a report to last night’s meeting of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. The question of extensions to the aerodrome was also discussed. Captain Holm said that during the six months Rongotai airport had handled the following traffic :—Passengers, 15.739; mails, 42,2181 b: trips completed, 3638; percentage of trips completed, 993. Comparisons with other airports in passengers carried were: Rongotai, 15,739; Blenheim, 7276; Nelson, 5692; Christchurch, 1544; Auckland, 1448; Dunedin, 1079; New Plymouth, 697. Referring to extensions. Captain Holm said that ultimately Rongotai College would have to be moved. To facilitate matters he urged that the chamber request the Government to place a proclamation over the land required for the future extension of Rongotai aerodrome. Captain Holm pointed out that this would not involve any expense, but would mean the saving of several thousand pounds in restoring the ground to Rongotai College. The president. Mr R. H. Nimmo, said that he had gathered from discussions on the matter with the Prime Minister that Mr Fraser was opposed to the suggestion of a proclamation. He understood that Mr Fraser’s views were greatly influenced by the housing problem in the area concerned. Neverth less, it was the duty of the chamber to do all possible to assist in preparations fox the expansion of the aero--1 drome. After several expressions of opinion on Captain Holm’s suggestion, it was agreed to defer the matter for further consideration at the next meeting.