AIRPORT FOR AUCKLAND

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22173, 29 July 1935, Page 8

AIRPORT FOR AUCKLAND

"It is a real business asset to have a first-class airport," said the Secretary of State for Air, Sir Philip CunliffeLister, in opening the new municipal airport at Newcastle last week. Sir Philip-also mentioned that in Great Britain they already possessed 25 great municipal airports and that five more were under construction. So far Auckland has no plans for adding this "business asset" to a city otherwise well equipped to handle modern transport. The project has been discussed for years and reports obtained on a number of possible sites. About two years ago the ex-Mayor, Mr. G. W. Hutchison, said that, owing to the cost, the city would be unable to embark on a scheme and for some years at least must be content to use the Aero Club's ground at Mangere. Since then proposals for internal and overseas air services have removed the whole problem from an indefinite future into the immediate present. Within a few months Auckland will be the terminal of the national air trunk route and shortly thereafter should witness the inauguration of a transtasman service. Since it is practically certain that flying boats will be used in the latter connection, Auckland will of necessity be chosen as the port of arrival and departure. Finally, tentative plans are already being considered for a transpacific air line, on which Auckland would be a calling point. A reminder of these overseas services was given by the visit of inspection on Saturday by Sir Charles Kingsford Smith to one of the proposed sites for Auckland's airport—that at Point England. Sir Charles was favourably impressed and it is notable that he took into consideration both the land and water aspects. Auckland has a great opportunity, at Point England or elsewhere, to combine the two facilities under one administration, giving valuable concentration to air communications as as well as the opportunity for smooth co-ordination t with rail, ship and road transport. The city cannot afford to forfeit the fine business asset —and tourist arid social asset—conferred upon it by nature and geography, for lack of adequate provision. The question of finance may be difficult, since the whole burden cannot fairly be cast upon the City Council. Yet Auckland must look to the Mayor for a strong, constructive lead. Wellington has already set an example by the energy with which it is developing Rongotai, in spite of topographical handicaps and the heavy cost.