KERIKERI AERODROME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23157, 1 October 1938, Page 14

KERIKERI AERODROME

DOUBLE SHIFTS WORKED EXCAVATORS AID PROGRESS LEVELLING ALMOST COMPLETE [from our own corresponded] ■ i |;i RUSSELL,. Friday Excellent progress with the construction of t&e new Kerikeri aerodrome has been made during the past few weeks of fine weather. The excavating carriers, drawn by caterpillar tractors, are in action about 17 hours a day, the drivers working two shifts, commencing about 4 a.m. and finishing about 10 p.m. These machines, invented by a South Island man, Mr. C. W. F. Hamilton, can shift about a thousand yards of spoil daily, equal to the work of approximately 100 men. The work is under the supervision of Mr. D. H. Small, who is the North Auckland supervisor for aerodrome construction. "We have been working for 12 weeks," said Mr. Small, "and have handled about 20,000 yds. spoil. About 80 per cent of this tirpe lias been lost owing to inclement weather, but we have made wonderful progress during the last few weeks." The aerodrome, which can be approached from any point of the compass, will have threo runways, two, running east and west and north-west and south-east, of 660vds. each, and the main runway, running north-east and south-west, having a length of 880 yds. Suitable ground will allow an extension of this runway to a length of one mile if required. Levelling should bo completed oh the Kerikeri aerodrome in the next threo or four weeks and then the machines and men will be transferred to Waipapakauri, where extensive alterations and extensions are being made to the existing aerodrome.