AIR DEFENCES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23053, 2 June 1938, Page 12

AIR DEFENCES

MILITARY AERODROME SITE AT WHENUAPAI AN OPERATIONAL STATION BASE FOE LARGE BOMBERS The taking for defence purposes of an area of approximately 600 acres ia the vicinity of Whenuapai, in the Waitemata survey district, is an , nounced in the Gazette by the Min. ister of Public Work's, the Hon. Semple. It is stated that the land is taken unclS® the Public Works Act and that the proclamation becomes effective as from May 26. Although the Gazette notice contains no suggestion of the purpose for which the land has been taken, other than that it is for defence, the belief is general that the area will comprise the new military aerodrome mentioned by the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, at Dargaville, recently, as being contemplated at Whenuapai. The price paid for the land, which is held by a number of farmers, is not disclosed. The block is approximately two miles north-west of the present Royal New Zealand Air Force Base at Hobsonville. Most of the land in the vicinity is at present being farmed, and is generally flat, and. unbroken by creeks or hills. There are, however, a number of houses, as well as trees and hedges, on the area recently surveyed, which comprises the whole of ,some owners' holdings, and parts of others. In his recent review of the defences of New Zealand, Mr. Jones mentioned that the Government had approved of the formation of two new operational stations, one at Ohakea, near Feilding, and one probably at Whenuapai. It is understood that the 30 Vickers Wellington bombers ordered by the Government will be allocated to these two stations. That the establishment of a new operational station at Whenuapai would not mean the abandonment of the Hobsonville Base was suggested by the Minister. He mentioned that the Government had approved of the establishment of Hobsonville as a repair base and stores depot, and buildings are at present under construction for the accommodation of a larger staff.