METROPOLITAN AIRPORT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23029, 5 May 1938, Page 14

METROPOLITAN AIRPORT

'A long step toward the provision of an adequate commercial airport for Auckland was taken last night, when the conference of metropolitan local bodies unanimously adopted the Manukau site as the most suitable. It is less than three months since the Government's expert committee, after canvassing all the technical aspects, left the conference to choose between reclamation schemes at Point Chevalier and on the upper arm of the Manukau Harbour west of Ofcahuhu. A civilian subcommittee, assisted by experts, has since examined both propositions more closely and last night were able to recommend the Manukau site and support the choice with good reasons. Much credit belongs to the Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis, for the speed with which the whole project has latterly been advanced and for the firm decision now reached. The initial and admittedly incomplete estimate of the cost of immediate development of the approved site has been placed at £164,000. It is a high price, but one that should be faced in fulfilment of Auckland'B manifest destiny as New Zealand's principal air terminal and junction for internal and overseas services. The site is recommended from the viewpoints of flying convenience and accessibility, and because it is capable of development to meet all conceivable requirements in the measurable future. As considerable time will necessarily be occupied in the actual reclaiming and preparation of the area, the more need now to press on with such essential preliminaries as the form of control and questions of finance. These may depend to some extent on the results of the additional surveys authorised, but, if the conference proceeds in the active spirit lately in evidence, the actual beginning of this essential metropolitan service should not be much longer • delayed.