SMALLER AERODROMES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23598, 7 September 1938, Page 7

SMALLER AERODROMES

DESIRABILITY STRESSED DEFENCE MATTERS DISCUSSED IN HOUSE (From Our Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON. Sept. 8. The desirability of having aerodromes than those at present under construction was stressed by Mr J. Hargest (Opposition. Awarua) during consideration of the Estimates m tn House of Representatives to-day. mr Hargest said that, m his o Pini . smaller, scattered aerodromes would not be so liable to damage m the event of a massed attack .. The Minister of Public Works (Mr R. Semple) said that up to a poiru small, scattered aerodromes were an advantage, but it was necessary to have one or two large aerodromes to enable the largest bombers to get away with a full load and sufflcien fuel for a flight of 1000 miles out and back. Mr Hargest asked whether consideration had been given to the question or nro'ecting petro’ supplies It had often occurred to him. he said that in Wellington the petrol supply depots would constitute a frightful danger if the city was ever subjected to an attack from the air. . . Mr W P Endean (Opposition. Parnell) asked if the Government had a definite plan for the development of aerodromes, both civil and military. Mr Semple; Methodical and scientific investigations have been made. The hon member can rest assured that the Die ns are there The Leader ot the Opposition .Mr Adam Hanvlton) asked if there was any necessity for the development of both civil and military aerodromes in some parts of the country. The Minister of Defence. (Mr/. Jones): You can’t have training being carried out alongside passenger aircraft _ , Mr Hamilton: If that is the experts advice we have no complaint. Mr Semple: It is contrary to the practice all over the world to have ordinary services operating on military aerodromes. The reason is obvious.