WAIKATO AIRPORT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23112, 10 August 1938, Page 16

WAIKATO AIRPORT

KUKUHIA PROPOSAL f LOCAL BODY PURCHASE CONFERENCE TO BE HELD [from our own correspondent] HAMILTON, Tuesday The question of making provision for a first-class airport for the Waikato was considered at a meeting of the Waikato County Council to-day. A letter was received from Mr. W. L. Waddel, town clerk, Hamilton, stating that Mr. C. B. Smith, the owner of the Rukuhia aerodrome, had ottered t« transfer his property to tho Hamilton Borough Council or to a combination of local authorities for what it actually cost. ft would appear, said Mr. Waddel, that although the Rukuhia property in its present state was very suitable lor training purposes, it would have to be very materially improved before it would attract tho fast machines at present being used for regular passenger services, and that; so long as the area was privately owned the Government would not be prepared to contribute anything toward tho cost of making tho necessary improvements. Ihe day was rapidly approaching when it could bo expected that regular services would operate in the Waikato. Co-operation Sought The Hamilton Borough Council was of the opinion that it was imperative that the Waikato should be in a position to take advantage of this develop-, ment. The council was not in any way committed to any particular locality, said Mr. Waddel, but it would like to see the utmost use made of tho area finally selected, and it would greatly appreciate the co-operation of the neighbouring local authorities in dealing with the whole matter. Mr. Waddel referred to the action taken at \\ hangarei to form an air board, and it was suggested that similar action be taken in the Waikato. The council proposed to invito the Ministers of Public Works and Defence to make a complete investigation into the matter of sites and to advise as to the cost of making a first-class airport to serve the Waikato. Concluding, the writer invited the County Council to appoint a member to attend a conference of local body representatives in Hamilton on Wednesday. The Question of Cost Tho chairman, Mr. J. A. Sampson, said a good deal depended on the expense.' It would be necessary to have all the details regarding cost before the council could commit itself to support tho scheme. Mr. R. G. Young said Rukuhia was subject to smoke and fog, and a great deal of expense might be involved in draining the Rukuhia Swamp. He thought the project should be investigated, but he considered it should be financed bv the State in the same way as tho housing scheme was financed. Tho landing fees would cover the running costs. Mr. P. E. Dingle suggested that tho council should tako no financial responsibility. The chairman was appointed to represent the council (it tho conference.