DEFENCE AERODROME

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23516, 2 June 1938, Page 19

DEFENCE AERODROME

THE WAITEMATA DISTRICT AREA OF LAND ACQUIRED (Special to Daily Times) AUCKLAND, June 1. The taking for defence purposes of an area of approximately 600 acres ot land in the vicinity of Whenuapai. in the Waitemata Survey District, is announced in the Gazette by the Minister of Public Works. It is stated that the land is taken under the Public Works Act and that the proclamation becomes effective as from May 26. Although the Gazette notice contains no suggestion of the purpose for which the land has been taken other than that it is for defence purposes, the belief is general that the area will comprise the new defence aerodrome mentioned by the Minister of Defence (Mr F. Jones) at- Dargaville recently as being contemplated at Whenuapai. The price paid for the land, which is held by a number of farmers, is not disclosed - . The block of land lies approximately two miles north-west of the present Royal New Zealand Air Force base at Hobsonville. In his recent review of the defences of New Zealand, Mr Jones mentioned that the Government had approved of the formation of two new operational stations, one at Ohakea. near Feilding. and one probably at Whenuapai. It is understood that the 30 Vickers Wellington bombers ordered by the Government will be allocated to these two stations.