WHANGAREI AERODROME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22144, 25 June 1935, Page 10

WHANGAREI AERODROME

TEMPORARY AREA SOUGHT DEVELOPMENT OF MAJOR PLAN [by telegraph—OWN correspondent] 'WHANGAREI, Monday The urgent need of a landing ground in Whangarei for aeroplanes was emphasised at a meeting of the Whangarei Aero Club this afternoon. Mr. L. A. Johnson presided, and stated that in view of the rapid development of commercial aviation, and tho likelihood of an early commencement of passenger services from Auckland to the North, it was essential that a temporary landing ground should be secured. "The objective of the club," said Mr. Johnson, "is to secure tho permanent ground at Otaika, but this will take some considerable time to prepare. In the meantime a temporary landing ground is necessary." Mr. R. H. P. Ronayne, district engineer of the Public Works Department, provided information on tho suggested landing grounds in the district. He also emphasised tho urgency for Whangarei to possess a suitable landing ground for passenger aeroplanes. It was stated that tho Whangarei Harbour Board's area at Kioreroa requires further draining beforo it could bo used ?is a landing ground in the winter. It wgs also desirable that it should be sown with quick-growing grass.

Tbo mooting decided immediately to communicate with the aviation branch of the Defence Department with a view to proceeding with tlio work of preparation of the Otaika area as a permanent ground. This area, which is adjacent to the Whangarei Harbour, is approximately 250 acres in extent. It was also decided to endeavour to have the Kioreroa area prepared as a temporary ground, or to obtain some other ground for landing purposes, pending the preparation of the Otaika area.