RONGOTAI AERODROME

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22632, 25 July 1935, Page 10

RONGOTAI AERODROME

QUESTION OF SUITABILITY VIEWS OF SIR CHARLES KINGSFORD SMITH (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON, July 24. Referring to the recent improvements at the llongotai aerodrome, Sir Charles Kingston! Smith at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon to-day said that a recent inspection convinced him that Wellington now had a ground which compared favourably with other air ports in New Zealand. The meteorological disadvantages could be largely met by carrying out suitable improvements. He had gone into the matter very carefully because his opinion was naturally regarded as carrying weight. He could definitely say from the data he had received from airmen and from meteorological records that the necessity for an auxiliary landing place would arise on only some 5 per cent, of the trips made, ne was pleased to learn that arrangt meats were already being made for the provision of an alternative landing ground in the Paekakariki district. Sir Charles remarked that a city ot the size and importance of Wellington could not reasonably be omitted from any regular trunk service. Such a thing would be ridiculous. Wellington was the centre of the Dominion and it was obvious that it must be included in any trunk service.