AIRPORT FOR DUNEDIN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22630, 23 July 1935, Page 5

AIRPORT FOR DUNEDIN

SOUTH ENDOWMENT SITE ADVANTAGE TO CITY HARBOUR BOARD’S POSITION The necessity for a suitable landing ground close to the centre of the city was emphasised by the retiring president (Mr C. B. Barrowclough) in his address to the annual meeting of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce last night. Mr Barrowclough stressed the fact that although the question of the suitability of the southern endowment site was a matter for experts the ultimate goal must always be kept in view.

“In the year 1929,” he said, “ the president of the Chamber of Commerce drew attention to the rapid growth of air transport and stressed the need for the provision of an adequate airport in Dunedin. Since that time the need has become increasingly apparent. In 1930 the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of the British 'Empire passed a resolution stressing the need for the establishment of suitable airports in the main centres throughout the British Empire. “ That resolution was recently reaffirmed by the council of the Chamber of Commerce, and in particular it was urged that stops should be taken to investigate the suitability of the southern endowment as an airport for Dunedin, and that if it were found suitable the area should be conserved for that purpose. It is appreciated that the Otago Aero Club in conjunction with the Dunedin City Council has secured at Mosgiel an aerodrome second to none in New Zealand. But, admirable as that aerodrome is for training purposes, it is impossible to overlook the tremendous advantages which would accrue to Dunedin if it could boast an airport in the heart of the city. Moreover, as commercial aviation is at present a comparatively new venture there is nobody responsible for its organisation and development; The Harbour Board has already done much for the city in its gift of Logan Park with the entailed loss of revenue from valuable sites. It is appreciated that it cannot in fairness be asked to sacrifice without consideration another valuable endowment in the interests of a new form of transport competing with that with which it is created to deal. The Otago Aero Club exists to foster an 1 air sense ’ and to train pilots—it is not a commercial institution. This chamber has been accused of going outside its proper sphere of activities in considering the matter. But if a chamber of commerce may not consider commercial aviation who may ? “ I suggest,” he concluded, “ that this chamber could set itself no more valuable task than the provision of such an airport for Otago. I am aware that the Harbour Board appreciates the importance of the matter, and I am sure that it will as always co-operate in the best interests of this city. But the whole burden must not be thrown on the Harbour Board. I sincerely trust that this chamber will be able to assist in some way in making such a wonderful asset available to this city. The suitability of the area in question is a matter for experts, and the body that should control it is a matter for consideration, but the ultimate goal must not be lost sight of.” .