WHANGAREI AERODROME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22398, 20 April 1936, Page 11

WHANGAREI AERODROME

QUESTION OF FINANCE COUNTY COUNCIL DISCUSSION [by telegraph—OWN correspondent] WHANGAREI. Sunday At a meeting of the Whangarei County Council a letter was received from the Hon. F. Jones, Minister in charge of Civil Aviation, saying he understood that some difference of opinion had arisen among the interested bodies in regard to the establishment of the Whangarei aerodrome. He suggested the formation of an airport board consisting of representatives from the local bodies concerned and the Aero Club, and the introduction of an Airport Bill on lines similar to the legislation passed to establish the New Plymouth and Napier Airport .Boards. The chairman, Mr. J. A S. Mackay. said the council had had very little information and it was difficult to lind out what the financial arrangements were to be. it was desirable that one body should carry out the work. If the Government was going to find the monev the Harbour Board would be the most suitable body to do the work, but that would be unfair if "a rate were to be levied. A rate would be borne twothirds by the county and one-third by the borough, while the benefits derived would greatly favour the borough. He had been advised by the Harbour Board secretary that the whole of the funds would be provided by the Government, but the council had nothing to that effect from the Minister. It was decided to request Mr. J. G. Barclay, M.P.. to obtain from the Government a definition of its policy with regard to the financial aspect of the matter.