NEW AERODROME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23274, 17 February 1939, Page 12

NEW AERODROME

WORK AT WHENUAPAI RAPID PROGRESS MADE defence project MINISTER'S INSPECTION An emphatic assertion that the Government was alive to its responsibilities regarding the defence of the Dominion and an expression of confidence that by mechanised methods of preparing aerodromes the Government was making the greatest haste iin strengthening the most essential aids to New Zealand s defence were made by the Hon. K. Semple, Minister of Public Works, during an inspection of the new military aerodrome at Whenuapai yesterday. The Minister was accompanied by Mr. J. Wood, chief engineer of the Public Works Department, and Mr. P. M. Dyson, chief engineer for the Auckland district. _ The Minister expressed gratification at the rapidity with which the construction of the aerodrome was progressing. He said that since the work was commenced on January 4 nearly 200,000 yards of spoil had been removed. Some time had been spent in preliminary preparations, but the work was now progressing at the rate of 6000 to 7000 yards each day. Before it wOuld be finished about 1,250,000 j'ards of material would be moved. Time an Essential Factor "That gives some idea of the magnitude of the job," Jiaid Mr. Semple. It also gives the public some idea of the modem methods of doing things. Under the old system it would take years and prove exceedingly costly. This is solely a mechanised job and is the largest of its kind in this portion of the North Island. Time is the essential factor of the contract. The contractors are making the most of daylight in these good months, as the work is liable to be held tip in the winter. At present two daylight shifts are worked between 4 a.m. and 9 p.m."

Speaking of the types of machine employed by the contractors and the department the Minister said there were six "carry-alls," a type of spoil remover drawn by tractors, all British made, four bulldozers, a Diesel shovel, ono mechanical ditcher, and a large grader. About 50 miles of drains had to be made, and for this task the mechanical ditcher would be employed. Challenge to Critics

"I want to congratulate the contractor, Mr. A. Downer, and the men on the remarkable results they have shown on this very important work in so short a time," said Mr. Semple. "TJbey have made wonderful progress. Those who have been criticising are talking through their hats., If I had not introduced these methods of construction we would not have done this work in the next 20 years with wheelbarrows, horses and carts. There is no system greater in the world than this for this typo of job, and I challenge anyone to deny it." The Minister said the men were New Zealanders trained for the job, and they had acquitted themselves with credit. It could he safely said they were among the best operators in the world. As much of the machinery as was practicable was imported from Britain. The "carry-alls" had proved most successful. Machines Seen at Work "This is a very important work at Whenuapai and the Government is desirous that it be completed as quickly as possible," ho added. "Those who talk about the Government doing nothing about ctcfcnee should come out here and see the work that is being done. Anyone who knows anything about our coastline knows that our defence must depend largely on the air arm. Hence the need for speed in this case."

The Minister was conducted round the works by the engineer in charge, Mr. W. M. Fisher, and the "carryalls" were seen in operation. Within the space of one minute as much as 14 tons of spoil was collected by one of the machines and it was dropped in a heap or spread elsewhere as required. The machines do not stop to take ou or deposit a load. They proceed at a fast rate, all movements being controlled by the driver by the manipulation of gears. The operation demands a great deal of dexterity. Mr. Seniple also paid a visit to the Royal New Zealand Air Force base at Hobsonville, where he was met by Squadron-Leader E. G. Olson, officer commanding the base.