AERIAL DEFENCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22722, 7 May 1937, Page 12

AERIAL DEFENCE

AERODROME SCHEME SURVEYS NEAR RIVERHEAD LAND-OWNERS INTERESTED EARLY DECISION EXPECTED Surveys commenced by the Public Works Department a bout three, months ago in the area between Kuineu and Riverhead. with a view, it is believed, to selecting a site for a military aerodrome supplementary to the Royal New Zealand Air Force Base at Hobsonville, have been completed. Farmers whose land was included in the area surveyed are eagerly awaiting an announcement by the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. .Tones, and the offers for their properties, in whole or in part, that are expected to follow if it is decided to construct the aerodrome. Official reticence lias been an outstanding feature of the survey. The staff engaged professed ignorance of the reason behind their activities, and residents who naturally were interested in the work, were informed that it was a Public Works survey. A number of farmers whose land was included in the survey communicated with various Government departments, and were advised that nothing would be decided until the survey had been completed, but that an announcement would follow shortly afterward. Area of 600 Acres The area surveyed is of approximately 600 acres, and is roughly square. It is mostly flat land and, by air-line, is only about five miles from Hobsonville. Practically the whole of the land of two or three owners is included, and the area also comprises portions of the property of a number of other farmers. Although most of the land surveyed is fairly flat, and generally of the type chosen as suitable for development into a flying-field, there is an abrupt rise in elevation toward the western boundary. .Residents have gathered, unoffibi? ally, that in the event of the area being approved, the higher .ground will be used for certain necessary buildings. leaving the rest of the large section unobstructed for runways. Decision Awaited

After being at work on the various farms since early in the year, the surveyors completed their work at the end of April as far as the main portion of the area is concerned, but they are still engaged on the higher ground. Residents report that the survey was made with particular attention to detail and accuracy. On some of the properties included, it was found necessary to lop or remove entirely trees that were in the way. The survey is believed to be part of a plan evolved by Wing-Commander the Hon. R. A. Cochrane, Chief of Air Staff, for the extension and development of air defence in New Zealand It is understood that the plan is of a most extensive nature, involving the provision of many more aerodromes than now exist, in different, parts of New Zealand. Land-owners concerned between Kumeu and Riverhead are at present awaiting an announcement by the Minister. They believe that the surveyors' report has been forwarded, and that an early statement, setting out the plans of the Government in connection with the area surveyed, may be expected.