GISBORNE AERODROME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22433, 1 June 1936, Page 10

GISBORNE AERODROME

COMPLETION OF LEVELLING PROPOSALS FOR EXTENSION [by telegraph—own correspondent] GISBORNE, Saturday The progress made at Darton Field aerodrome in the reconstruction of the three main runways has reached a stage at which it is no longer necessary to keep a large number of men at work, .and by successive steps the workmen engaged at the field have been reduced until the total has reached 30. These men will continue for a week or two in cleaning up in the various parts of the field, but it is anticipated that by the middle of June tho whole of the levelling, work on which day labour has been engaged, will have been completed, Contract labour will be retained on tho field for extensive filling work at the south-eastern end of the longer runway, which traverses tho field for a distance of 600 yds. The filling affects between 150 to 200vds. of this runway in a corner of the ground, and a sufficient length of runway will be available for normal use pending completion of the contracts. It is expected that Flight-Lieut. A. E. Gibson, inspector of aerodromes, will visit Gisborno next week to view the progress made. He will probably report also upon a major scheme of aerodrome extension, under which it is proposed to add 140 acres to tho present area of Darton Field. The management of East Coast Airways, Limited, has had no information as yet regarding the date at which the field will be made avnilablo for the resumption of the service between Gisborne and Napier, but developments may follow the inspection. The company is anxious to resume operations as soon as the condition of the reconstructed runways will permit.

NAPIER FIELD TO CLOSE TEMPORARY GROUND ARRANGED The closing of the Napier aerodrome will shortly take placo for a period of 18 months, during which the Beacons aerodrome, or emergency landingground at Westshore, will be used by all aeroplanes visiting Napier, including the East Coast Airways passenger aeroplanes when the service resumes. Arrangements are to be madp by the Napier Airport Board for shelters and facilities at the Beacons aerodrome in preparation for the closing of the main aerodrome within six months.